Tag: Philadelphia

76ers Suspend Ben Simmons After Being Being Thrown Out of Practice

On By troypittman13In UncategorizedLeave a comment

Ben Simmons (Benjamin David Simmons) is an Australian professional basketball player for the NBA, who was drafted in 2017 by the 76ers. He is 6’10 with long arms and legs that were promising to the league. He was the first drafted pick in the NBA that year, making him one of the most sought after players in the organization. Shortly after his arrival to the league, 76er fans and NBA enthusiasts were not impressed by his performance. Besides a few spottings with his recent girlfriend, Kendall Jenner (2018), Ben Simmons was pretty quiet towards the press. He signed a 5-year $177,243,360 contract with the 76ers included with an annual average of $33 million dollars.

Philadelphia can be a tough crowd as it pertains to music, sports, entertainment, etc. But one thing they don’t play about, is their sports. Simmons has been criticized for “not showing up” or “getting cold feet” after starting his career in the NBA. He was passing the ball more than he was taking shots. He shoots 60% from the free-throw line, since the postseason. Since his addition to the 76ers his point average remained relatively 15-17 points per game, with around 8 rebounds, and 8 assists. Which doesn’t mean he’s a horrible player. But definitely confuses 76ers fans and teammates who believed him to show why he was the #1 pick in the NBA draft (2017)).

After the last few years of pre-season practices, games, and post season politics, Simmons has publicly stated he no longer wants to play for the 76ers. On Monday, October 18th Simmons was thrown out of practice and later suspended. According to 76ers representatives and teammates Simmons “doesn’t want to play– or even practice– with the Philadelphia 76ers anymore”. Coach Doc Rivers was signed and hired as the 76ers head coach in 2020, hoping to salvage their legacy.

After season games, players spoke with the tabloids expressing their frustration with Ben Simmons performance. 76ers player Joel Embiid reportedly says “he has not spoken to Ben Simmons since he returned to the team”. Saying “it is not my job to babysit anyone on the team”. There were also videos capturing the team’s dynamic during practice. The video shows Simmons on the outside of the huddle, and later leaving to go back to the locker rooms, while his teammates disperse onto the court smiling and laughing. This type of behavior isn’t ideal for a great team dynamic on and off the court. Simmons expressed “If Philly doesn’t want me, I’ll play somewhere else”. And has actively been negotiating different trade deals, outside of his 76ers 5-year contract. (2021) Simmons will not play in the season opener game for the 76ers, and officials are waiting to see what direct impact this will have on the NBA.

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Which Philly is Adam Sandler bringing to Netflix?

On By aliceherrickIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

While Manayunk hosts the production of the new Sandler film, Hustle, rumors are beginning to circulate about whether or not the town will actually be referenced in the movie.  

If you live in Northwest Philly, you’ve probably been hearing all about it: Adam Sandler is filming a movie in Manayunk! It has been the talk of the rowhouse town for weeks now. Happy Madison Productions, is telling the story of a basketball scout (portrayed by Sandler) attempting to revive his career by bringing an athlete from another country to play in the NBA. The film takes place in various parts of the city of brotherly love, but for the few days, production has been centered in Manayunk.

Many fans of the actor gathered on the streets at all hours trying to get a glance of the action, while other locals have not been as welcoming; Upset about how street closures have disrupted their day-to-day, a few petitions have even circulated around social media groups, including a call to have the production company “give back” for causing inconvenience. Though, as the filming wrapped up Friday evening, the community seemed in good spirits. ABC6 caught Sandler taking the time to greet fans, and everyone is excited to see their Canal Neighborhood be featured on Netflix.

Friday morning, a cop at the intersection of Main Street & Shurs Lane reveled to me that he had been hearing rumors that state: “It’s not actually gonna be Manyunk. It’s supposed to be like ‘North-North’ Philly, but they’re just using parts of here that look more beat up”

“North-North” referring to areas such as Kensington or Northern Liberties. When I asked him why he thought they would make that decision, the cop said, “I think was just easier for them to do it here.” This notion remains completely alleged, the only evidence being anecdotal. However, it is not out of the realm of possibility; pretending some locations are others is a regular procedure in film. Though if true, it raises questions the money Manayunk received for hosting Happy Madison Productions, and if it should have been allocated to Kensington or NL. Furthermore, its sure to cause disappointment among the Manayunk locals who where excited to see their town in a Movie. Until further information is realized about the film, we’ll just have to wait until Hustle drops on Netflix later in 2021.

Comcast Spectator and Nerd Street Gamers

Philadelphia’s Possible Future as a Main Hub for Esports, Through Comcast

On By Mónica G. RodríguezIn EsportsLeave a comment

The Philly-based esports company Nerd Street Gamers recently added Comcast CEO’s son, Tucker Roberts, to their board of directors.

This all happens as Nerd Street Gamers, an organization focused on developing training, building facilities and producing events for esports, prepares to build approximately 100 esports centers around the nation all within a period of five years. Roberts is currently the president of Comcast Spectator’s gaming division in South Philadelphia, which also includes the local esports team Philadelphia Fusion. Comcast Spectator is the entertainment and sports company under Comcast that owns the Wells Fargo Center, along with the Philadelphia Flyers.

Comcast isn’t the only company supporting Nerd Street Gamers. Other companies that have created alliances with this esports pioneer are SeventySix Capital, Elevate Ventures, and Five Below. In fact, they plan to establish some of their 100 new facilities inside some Five Below locations and college campuses, such as the local Rowan University.

It should also be mentioned that Comcast Spectator plans to open the first esports arena in the United States called Fusion Arena in South Philadelphia.

All of these steps led by Comcast may put Philadelphia as a top city for esports, an ever-growing and money-making industry. But this also shows the huge control and influence that Comcast has over the city and its economy. Whether you support it or not, it seems like Philadelphia’s future is determined by that telecommunications beast.

Source: https://www.inquirer.com/business/comcast/nerd-street-gamers-esports-tucker-roberts-philadelphia-fusion-comcast-20200227.html