Bill Simmons canned from ESPN

[EricaLubarsky]

..and he potentially got the news via Twitter

That Bill Simmons’s 14-year run at ESPN has come to an end isn’t actually all that surprising. The relationship between Simmons and the brass in Bristol been rocky for some time now, and Simmons recently lost the support of his greatest champion, ESPN president John Skipper. What is surprising is the way in which it went down. This doesn’t look like a mutual parting, but rather an outright firing.

http://deadspin.com/why-espn-fired-b...ons-1703103609

Four sources tell us there’s a rumor going around ESPN and Grantland that Simmons found out about the move via Twitter. (A fifth source denies this.) “Cold-hearted/hilarious,” one person says. “Guy is a massive d---head. But he’ll just land at Fox Sports with Horowitz now for the same money. Yay.”

http://deadspin.com/espners-bill-sim...ter-1703112625

[Bryan_Wilson]

I have no idea what he was like to work with but I found him very entertaining. A nice change from the usual ESPN Joe with their lips firmly planted on the networks cheeks. Him not being associated with ESPN just means I won't have to feel dirty watching/reading/listening to his work.

[Underdog]

Originally Posted by Bryan_Wilson

I have no idea what he was like to work with but I found him very entertaining. A nice change from the usual ESPN Joe with their lips firmly planted on the networks cheeks. Him not being associated with ESPN just means I won't have to feel dirty watching/reading/listening to his work.

+1

[dirt_dobber]

He had just called out NFL commish Roger for not already having a penalty in place
for the "deflate" mess with the Patriots. I think this just escalated his contract/status.

I thought Simmons owned all the rights to Grantland. I liked the synergy between he and Zach Lowe. I wonder if he will go independant now.

[j0Shi]

Goldsberry and Lowe are still good enough to visit Grantland, but my most favorite sports site just took a major hit. I will definitely follow Simmons wherever he'll go.

[Underdog]

Originally Posted by j0Shi

Goldsberry and Lowe are still good enough to visit Grantland, but my most favorite sports site just took a major hit. I will definitely follow Simmons wherever he'll go.

I wonder how many Grantland writers will follow him too? Naaah, who am I kidding? ESPN has Disney money to throw around - those guys aren't going anywhere.

[dirt_dobber]

Originally Posted by Underdog

I wonder how many Grantland writers will follow him too? Naaah, who am I kidding? ESPN has Disney money to throw around - those guys aren't going anywhere.

I don't know - how about a start-up company where employees get a piece of the co.
Writing unabriged without fear has a ring of freedom associated with it.
-the following from http://thebiglead.com/2015/05/08/bil...x-six-million/
Creating shows/documentaries for HBO? Sure, why not. Turning his podcast into a show on Sirius? Why not? Hey Fox, put me on Bill O’Reilly once a week, give me a show on FS1 and a weekly column, and let’s talk shop.

[Melonhead]

Didn't care for him on TV but usually enjoyed his writing.

[bunkmoreland]

Originally Posted by Melonhead

Didn't care for him on TV but usually enjoyed his writing.

Totally agree.

I always love reading his NBA draft day journal.

[Thespiralgoeson]

Simmons rules. ESPN blows.