This year some athletes have held themselves out of playing professional sports whether it is due to COVID-19, being on the trade block, needing rest, or even just not wanting to be with a specific organization.

Since the Milwaukee Bucks won the 2020-2021 NBA championship there have been a lot of rumors that Ben Simmons wants out of Philadelphia. He did not talk or report to the team over the offseason. 

At the beginning of the season Ben Simmons reported to practice, but 76ers head coach Doc Rivers did not think he wanted to do what everyone else was doing. Rivers then kicked him out of practice. The team then suspended Simmons for the season opener. Simmons then said he was not mentally ready to play yet.

Also in the NBA, seven time all star Kyrie Irving of the Brooklyn Nets has not participated in any games or practices due to refusing to take the COVID-19 vaccine.

Krishan Singh Negi, a WJPS junior said, “If the player chooses not to play for any reason that is okay because it is their decision.”

Meantime, WJPS junior Diego Hernandez said,“I think it is a good idea for some players to get rest if they need it.”