Super Bowl champion Jordan Mailata takes aim at Aussie NBA star Ben Simmons

Sydney-born Super Bowl champion Jordan Mailata has taken a swipe at Aussie NBA star Ben Simmons for how he handled his controversial exit from the Philadelphia 76ers.
In a frank interview with the GQ Magazine, Mailata didn't take a backwards step when asked about Simmons being ran out of Philadelphia by the city's rabid fans.
The Eagles offensive tackle says the Melbourne hoops star mishandled the situation at the 76ers in 2022 by refusing to practice and play until his trade request was honoured, resulting in an NBA record $17 million in fines.
'It's pretty simple to play in Philly,' said Mailata, who became the first Australian to win a Super Bowl as a starter with the Philadelphia Eagles in February.
'You give everything, the fans will love you. You don't give everything, they bully you out of town. And that's what happened to Benny. Take ownership when you f*** up, it's as simple as that. If you start pointing fingers at fans, you might as well just say, 'Hey, can I get a trade please?'.'
Simmons' NBA career is again at a crossroads with the 28-year-old off-contract and no longer the commodity that can secure a five-year $270 million deal like his designated rookie extension back in 2019.
Instead, the former No.1 draft pick will have to settle for a much more modest deal on the open market.
In February, Simmons signed a one-year veteran minimum contract with the Los Angeles Clippers worth $1.2 million.
It remains to be seen whether the Clippers re-sign the polarising Aussie following another underwhelming, injury-plagued season, averaging 16.4 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists in just 18 games.
Jordan Mailata is on the June/July issue 2025 issue of GQ Australia, out exclusively inside The Australian on June 13.