As expected, Ben Simmons was booed by Philly fans during his return to the city, but a former teammate is sticking up for him. Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Not everybody is taking sides against Ben Simmons these days.

Ex-Philadelphia 76ers forward Robert Covington responded on Instagram this week to a video of the harsh treatment that Simmons got during his return to Philly on Thursday.

“Philly at its finest,” wrote Covington in a comment. “Now you see why he wanted out.”

Covington, now with the L.A. Clippers, was one of the original members of the Sixers’ “Process” era, playing for them from 2014 to 2018. He was also teammates there with Simmons, who was drafted in 2016. While Covington developed into one of the better defenders in the league while in Philly, he was up-and-down as a scorer, leading to him sometimes getting booed.

For what it’s worth, Covington then tried to backtrack on Twitter, saying that he never said anything bad about Philly and that he loves the city.

When it comes to Simmons, even if Philly fans are notoriously tough, it is safe to say that he deserved every single boo that he got. Simmons did some extremely petty things during his lengthy holdout from the 76ers, so he would probably be booed by every other fan base in the league as well if he did their team like that.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Timberwolves chew up Nuggets to force Game 7
Rangers secure spot in conference finals after stunning third-period comeback over Hurricanes
Xander Schauffele makes history in first round of PGA Championship
Yankees' Hal Steinbrenner shares massive Juan Soto contract update
Steelers' Cameron Heyward addresses contract holdout
Knicks star ruled out for potential closeout game
Dodgers starter undergoes season-ending UCL surgery
Clemson’s Dabo Swinney gives smug response about not using transfer portal
Caitlin Clark's debut was most-watched WNBA game in more than 20 years
Watch: Chris Kreider's natural third-period hat trick shatters Hurricanes' comeback hopes
Veteran NFL safety will either play for this team or retire in 2024
Former Red Wings head coach linked to open NHL job
How Patriots' Drake Maye has already impressed Jacoby Brissett
LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Stephen Curry among Forbes' highest-paid athletes for 2024
Steve Cohen addresses if Mets could again be trade-deadline sellers
Tiger Woods ruins strong first round with sloppy finish at PGA Championship
NFL responds to speculation about Chiefs schedule and Taylor Swift
Despite hopes for change, NASCAR championship weekend will return to Phoenix in 2025
Chiefs will achieve something not done since 1927 with 2024 schedule
Yankees' Aaron Judge comments on resurgence after bad slump

Want more sports news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.