Free speech and sports press

[Underdog]

Originally Posted by EricaLubarsky

Most recently Simmons, who I mostly disagree with, said some things I do agree with in a less-than-polite way.

Do you mostly read or watch Bill Simmons? Because I tend to disagree with a lot of what he says, but I almost always agree with what he writes. His opinions are much more thought-out when he takes the time to write them, as opposed to his off-the-cuff remarks on live television (his NBA draft coverage is especially atrocious).

As for his opinions in this piece? He once again hits the nail on the head... And I find it very interesting that it was posted on SI.com instead of his own website, Grantland.com (which is owned by ESPN/Disney).

[LonghornDub]

Originally Posted by Underdog

Do you mostly read or watch Bill Simmons? Because I tend to disagree with a lot of what he says, but I almost always agree with what he writes.

Ain't that the truth. The substance (and form, IMO) of his writing is in a completely different stratosphere than what he says live. I think he's pretty awful on TV, and I don't think his podcast is much better.

As for the more general thread topic, I'll note that freedom of speech and freedom of press have no application to a private employer like ESPN (or any other company or individual). A private company or person can censor your speech or press all they want. Your right to free speech and free press only prohibits censorship by the federal or state government. That's it.

That being said, I always think it's funny when a company like ESPN pays someone like Bill Simmons tons of money to speak his mind, and then censors or punishes him when he does. It's not a violation of his rights, but it's sure hypocritical coming from a company that's made millions of dollars off Bill Simmons and his various creations (Grantland, 30 for 30, etc.).