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<p>Ben Simmons was denied entry to the 'Crown Casino' in Melbourne, Australia, his hometown when bouncers claimed to not recognize the NBA<br> star. Simmons in an Instagram post implied the incident was racial profiling asking why he and two black friends were asked for ID'S but the white friends were not. </p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://buzz-caribbean.com/app/uploads/2019/08/ben-simmons.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2261" /><figcaption>Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons (25) Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports <em>(Photo:sixerswire.usatoday.com)</em></figcaption></figure>
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<p>The <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7219105/Australias-highest-paid-athlete-Basketballer-Ben-Simmons-set-sign-240MILLION-NBA-contract.html">highest-paid Australian athlete</a> felt he and his friends were singled out by Crown Casino security at the time but has since then deleted the post following a response from the casino that issued a statement saying its security staff routinely do ID checks on anyone who appears to be younger than 25. </p>
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<p>The Victorian government's tourism body has a sponsorship with Ben<br>Simmons. A Visit Victoria spokesman issued a statement about their<br>commercial arrangement with the $170 million Philadelphia 76er to "utilize<br>his international profile in promoting Victoria to a global audience."</p>
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