Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images
Sep 28, 2026; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Ben Simmons (25) during media day at Golden 1 Center.
The Sacramento Kings held their annual preseason media day on Monday, and while much of the conversation surrounded a team that yet again is unlikely to make the playoffs, there was also a bit of controversy.
After player interviews, which included the newly signed Ben Simmons, a pair of team reporters were caught on a hot mic talking about Simmons’ attractiveness but criticizing his arrogance. The reporters then did the same for star guard Zach LaVine.
“All these people talk about (how) I don’t love the game. That’s bullsh-t,” Simmons told members of the media. “I love this game. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t have taken that year to focus on myself and get back to where I’m at.”
Sacramento Kings Reporters Make Inappropriate Comments On Ben Simmons
While the reporters could not be properly identified, one noted that Simmons is “lucky he’s so fine” because his comments to the media were “cringe, while another called him a “good-looking dude” as he starts up an NBA comeback.
“His skin’s like so smooth,” the second reporter noted. “I was like, d—, no tattoos?”
Some of the media members not realizing they’re on a hot mic. Calling Ben Simmons cringe but “hella fine”, one also says LaVine is “hella fine” before one interjects saying his personality is annoying and a prick. pic.twitter.com/FIsoqgnUYC
— Austin (@kings_muse) September 28, 2026
A male reporter then seemingly asked one of the two female reporters about their “type,” to which she responded that LaVine was “hella fine,” which is when the other reporter stepped in and criticized LaVine’s personality.
“I think his personality annoys the s— out of me … Zach’s cute,” the individual said. “His personality f—ing annoys me. He just seems like hella like a p—k.”
Simmons is back in the league after taking off the 2025-26 season due to a slew of injuries. LaVine, meanwhile, is starting his second season in Sacramento after being traded from the Chicago Bulls last season.