Everybody thought Ben Simmons was going to make his Brooklyn Nets debut in Game 4 against the Boston Celtics on Monday night. Instead, Simmons won't be playing because of his ongoing back issues, which has brought about a massive amount of backlash from all across the spectrum.

Many people are assuming Simmons isn't actually that hurt and simply doesn't want to play with the Nets down 3-0 in the first-round series. NBA media personalities such as Reggie Miller, Shaquille O'Neal and Charles Barkley are among this large group.

Then there's The Iron Sheik, the ex-WWE champion who has become known for his hilarious disses on Twitter. Of course he came after the Nets star as well:

Article Continues Below
More Brooklyn Nets News
image thumbnail
NBA rumors: Lakers’ Austin Reaves trade strategy as 2 center targets emergeErik Slater ·
image thumbnail
NBA rumors: Nets exploring Cam Johnson trade with Raptors, RocketsErik Slater ·
image thumbnail
Nets getting closer look at Noa Essengue, top international prospects in ItalyErik Slater ·
image thumbnail
NBA front office insider gives Cam Thomas contract predictionErik Slater ·
image thumbnail
Former top Nets assistant among finalists for Suns head coach positionErik Slater ·
Noa Essengue
Nets’ dark-horse No. 8 pick candidate rising up draft boardsErik Slater ·

You can always count on The Iron Sheik to deliver.

*Watch NBA games LIVE with fuboTV (click for free trial)*

Of course, this Ben Simmons situation is complicated. He held out all season with the Philadelphia 76ers before his trade to Brooklyn. The Nets then figured it would take a few weeks for him to ramp up, but his back problems kept him off the floor for the rest of the regular season. Then after it seemed like he was going to be able to give it a go in Monday's Game 4, apparently the back issue flared up again. There's also the whole mental health component playing into this.

Many people aren't buying these excuses, but only Simmons knows how he's truly feeling. Even so, it's understandable for the Nets and their fans to be frustrated with how this situation has played out. And, right or not, Simmons isn't a sympathetic figure at this point and will continue to catch slander.