NBA-76ers' Simmons pays tribute to Australian 'Egg Boy'

[March 20, 2019]    (Reuters) - The Philadelphia 76ers' Ben Simmons displayed a message of support for an Australian teenager who smashed an egg on a right-wing lawmaker's head, wearing shoes with the words “Egg Boy” written on them during Tuesday's game against Charlotte.

Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons (25) argues a foul call in the first half against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Senator Fraser Anning was approached from behind at a political event on Saturday before the 17-year-old cracked the egg on the back of his head.

The teenager was dubbed “Egg Boy” on social media and Australian Simmons showed his support by writing the nickname on his bright yellow shoes.

Anning had received widespread condemnation following his comments that the cause of last week's shootings at two New Zealand mosques that left 50 dead was letting "Muslim fanatics" migrate to the country.

Australian Brenton Harrison Tarrant, 28, a suspected white supremacist, was charged with murder on Saturday.

(Writing by Jahmal Corner in Los Angeles; Editing by Peter Rutherford)

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