Ben Simmons Explains Why He Wore a March for Our Lives Shirt on the Bench

The Philadelphia star wore a March For Our Lives to his game against the Timberwolves this weekend.

ben simmons getty rob foldy
Image via Getty/Rob Foldy
ben simmons getty rob foldy

Showing support for the gun control protests happening across the United States on Saturday, Philadelphia 76ers star Ben Simmons decided to wear a March For Our Lives shirt during warmups and while he was on the bench during his team's game against the Timberwolves.

Ben Simmons of the Philadelphia 76ers wearing a #marchforourlives t shirt on the bench, having just scored a triple double! pic.twitter.com/CJGpRd3HoV

— Alastair Higgins 🇪🇺 (@alastairhiggins) March 25, 2018

Following the game, the Australia native talked to reporters about how important the controversial issue is to him and explained how strict gun laws have helped make his home country a safer place.

"For me growing up in Australia, I think there was a gun ban way back in the day where they bought back all the guns," Simmons said. "And there hasn’t been a major shootings or anything like that—no one carries around guns. To me I think that’s very important. Just where I come from, you want kids to feel safe going to school and the parents [too]."

Simmons added, "I just don’t really believe there’s any need to have a gun—maybe hunting—but that’s a different conversation. It really sticks with me. I don’t think anyone should have to worry about somebody coming and shooting up the place. I mean, that’s a scary thought."

The 76ers star wasn't the only familiar face from the NBA to publicly voice his support for everyone marching this weekend. LeBron James, Steve Kerr, Chris Paul, and Dwyane Wade were among those to show their support on social media. You can see some of their comments below.

#MarchForOurLives Salute the youth making a REAL impact!! ❤️❤️

— LeBron James (@KingJames) March 24, 2018

Reminder today to get out and march! Thank you to the young generation for inspiring all of us and reminding us that change will only happen through our own will. Register to vote and demand common sense gun laws from any and all potential elected officials! Democracy will win!

— Steve Kerr (@SteveKerr) March 24, 2018

Humbled and proud of this generation taking the lead. Their time is now. #MarchForOurLives pic.twitter.com/6WpG7AxMKK

— Chris Paul (@CP3) March 24, 2018

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