Ben Simmons finds himself at the center of attention once again, but this time, it’s not for his performance on the basketball court. Instead, he has embarked on a new venture in competitive fishing, taking control of the South Florida Sails, a team in the Sport Fishing Championship, a growing offshore saltwater league established in 2021. This league consists of 16 professional angling clubs competing across various states, engaging in 16 tournaments to vie for the season title.
In a conversation with Andscape back in December 2025, Simmons expressed his enthusiasm for this opportunity, likening the league to the exciting nature of Formula 1 and LIV Golf. He detailed a unique points system in the championship, highlighting the significance of different catches such as white marlin, blue marlin, sailfish, and striped marlin, each contributing differently to a team’s score. Simmons depicted the league as not only competitive but also serious and expanding.
However, his transition to fishing hasn’t gone unnoticed by sports commentator Stephen A. Smith, who took the opportunity to deliver biting commentary on ESPN’s First Take. Known for his outspoken style, Smith admonished Simmons, saying, “As long as First Take is in existence, Ben Simmons will catch strays.” He went on to label Simmons as “the biggest thief in the history of the NBA,” suggesting that any time he is near a basketball arena, he should be apprehended. The studio erupted in laughter, and the sentiment resonated across social media.
This criticism stems from Simmons’ tumultuous NBA career, marked by unmet expectations and significant contracts that did not yield consistent results. Though injuries hindered his performance and confidence, his propensity to pass up open shots and struggle under playoff pressure became key talking points among fans and analysts.
Despite these setbacks, Simmons is now focused on carving out a new identity in the world of competitive fishing while Smith continues to critique from the studio. Whether Simmons will eventually stage a comeback to the NBA remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: if he does, he’s bound to face continued scrutiny and humor from commentators like Smith. This shift in Simmons’ career reflects the unpredictable nature of sports, where athletes often seek new arenas for success amid the challenges of their previous paths.