The End of an Era


"Yup, these are my readers." — Bill Simmons

I'm a creature of habit. I like what I like, and that's what I typically stick to. My favorite Sports Writer and Personality, by far, is Bill Simmons. Hired in 2001, Simmons has defined a unique brand for ESPN. In 2011, he took that a step further by creating Grantland, a sub site of the worldwide leader in sports, that has attracted top talent and turned out incredible content. It is one of my favorite sites and favorite places to get sports and entertainment news.

On Friday, ESPN announced that it was ending its relationship with Simmons effective when his contract is up in September. To some it wasn't a surprise, but I still felt it was sad news, especially when you consider where it leaves ESPN and Grantland.

ESPN says its committed to Grantland, but even if that's true, the site will never be the same. Simmons, his columns, his influence, and the B.S. Report are a big part of the site's draw. And his personality and leadership has been a big part of the draw of its talented team. What will that look like come October?

And what about ESPN? Simmons was a big part of the network, working on NBA coverage, subbing on popular programs like "Pardon The Interruption" and doing segments on Sportscenter. His unique view and sense of humor will be sorely missed.

Many feel this comes down to his outsize personality and criticism of NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. The NFL is a big partner of ESPN, and likely didn't appreciate one of the network's people being openly hostile to the Commissioner on his own podcast and in other interviews. And that's a shame. Some how it feels like ESPN caving to the NFL and shedding a man who wasn't afraid to speak his mind.

I didn't always agree with Simmons, but I appreciated the way he wrote and did broadcasts. He is passionate about sports and entertainment, and he shared that passion with his audience. I can't wait to see what he does next.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Burial a courtroom drama with heart

Image
Willie Gary (Jamie Foxx) is a brash trial lawyer who is good at rallying a jury to his cause. Jeremiah O’Keefe (Tommy Lee Jones) is a quiet grandfather who is trying to ensure the business his family built remains viable after he’s gone. These two don’t appear to have much in common on the surface. But when they’re brought together by young lawyer Hal Dockins (Mamoudou Athie) brings them together, a connection is formed over their shared background of working hard to become self-made men. And it turned out that Willie was just who Jerry needed in his corner to win the fight of his life. The new Prime Video film The Burial, which opened in theaters October 6 and started streaming October 13, captures that trial against the Loewen Group that changed the course of their lives. The film is based on the true story and covers the trial, but more importantly captures the relationship between the men. The film plays out like a traditional courtroom drama. Foxx is solid as Willie Gary, while Ju...
Read more

Broncos Draft Targets

Image
  The NFL Draft is just a few days away. On April 25, the Denver Broncos will head into the draft in the midst of something of a rebuild. In the draft, the Broncos have the No. 12 pick in Round 1, then have a Third Round Pick, Fourth Round Pick, three Fifth Round Picks, a Sixth Round Pick, and a Seventh Round Pick. So, what might they be targeting? Let's dive in and look at possible positions. Quarterback : The team clearly needs a long-term quarterback. Jarrett Stidham and Ben DiNucci are there but the team could certainly use someone else. Could they move up for Drake Maye or J.J. McCarthy? Yes, they could. Will the take Bo Nix at 12? It's possible. Or will the Broncos wait until next off-season to make a move? Anything is in play for the Broncos in 2024, but quarterback is surely a need. Tight End: The team brought back Adam Trautman and still has Greg Dulcich, but it's still a need. Dulcich hasn't been able to get on the field and Trautman hasn't been great. Co...
Read more

Favorite Westerns, No. 43

Image
  Do you like a good Western? It's a classic genre in film and this year I've decided to look at some of my favorite Westerns. So, join me each Friday as I count down my favorite Westerns from No. 50 to No. 1. Rooster Cogburn : [ watching Mattie ford the river hanging on the back of her horse] By God. She reminds me of me. True Grit (1969) Starring : John Wayne, Kim Darby, Glen Campbell, Robert Duvall, and Dennis Hopper Director : Henry Hathaway About: This is the third straight week with a film from Wayne. As you might guess, we're not done. As I've mentioned, he sets a standard for the genre. Here, we seen him bring to life an iconic character. This one is based on a novel, and it has endured. He's great as Rooster Cogburn, so good that he got a sequel in the same character. But this is a later film in his career. This is a different, more grizzled Wayne. He's still quite good and this is a film that really has stood the test of time. It's not the only ve...
Read more