NBA basketball superstar, Ben Simmons, claims he was racially profiled before being BANNED from entering Crown casino in Melbourne, Australia.
The Philadelphia 76er claimed in a now-deleted Instagram post that he was turned away with his friends on Monday night for being black.
Simmons said security “checked him and his black friends” but never checked 76ers photographer Alex Subers, who happens to be white.
“I find it so crazy that the only guy who doesn’t get checked to go into the casino is this guy,” Simmons said in the video, pointing to Mr Subers.
“I get checked, Mike gets checked, and Tahj gets checked.
“Thank you, Crown casino. Damn, and they didn’t let me in, or him or this guy.
“Wow, we got a long way to go.”
I’m not the biggest fan of Crown Casino. Not long ago, I stayed there with my family; we parked in their carpark only to return to a smashed vehicle in the morning.
It was evident that some punter who probably lost a lot of money took out their frustration in their carpark, on my car.
Crown immediately distanced themselves from any responsibility, claiming the carpark is like any public car park and left us to fend for ourselves.
Technically they’re probably right. However, most carparks are not attached to a casino or owned by a casino for their patrons. So they don’t experience disgruntled people leaving at all hours of the night.
After my personal experience, I think Crown lacks integrity and customer service – I’ll never stay there again.
But to cry racism? Maybe I should have tried that.
The facts are: Simmons was wearing a baseball cap and camouflage pants. Both banned under the casino’s dress code.
The NBA superstar also didn’t have any ID, arrogantly assuming the entire world recognises him.
So he was banned for his lousy dress and a big ego — nothing to do with race.
It’s sad that in 2019 the go to the response of superstars is racism. But sorry mate, no one in Australia cares about the pigmentation of your skin, we judge ..
