Bill Simmons Leaving ESPN: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know

One of the most outspoken sports writers of this generation, Bill Simmons will leave the company that he initially broke into the sports writing business with in 2001.

Here’s what you need to know:

---

1. His Contract Will Not Be Renewed By ESPN

According to Rich Sandomir of the New York Times, Simmons, 45, will not be re-upping with the World Wide Leader when his contract expires later in 2015.

“I decided today that we are not going to renew Bill Simmons’ contract,” said ESPN president John Skipper in a press release. “We have been in negotiations and it was clear it was time to move on. ESPN’s relationship with Bill has been mutually beneficial – he has produced great content for us for many years and ESPN has provided him many new opportunities to spread his wings. We wish Bill continued success as he plans his next chapter. ESPN remains committed to Grantland and we have a strong team in place.”

---

2. He Was Suspended in 2014 For Comments About Roger Goodell on His Podcast

Going off on NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, Simmons earned himself a three-week suspension, his third in six years. This happened in last September 2014 when Goodell failed to handle the Ray Rice situation adequately.

---

3. He Reportedly Makes Between $3-5 Million Per Year

In a variety of stories surrounding his contract status, his reported salary is somewhere between 3 and 5 million per year. Although the departure appears to be more about money, Simmons must believe he is worth more than these figures.

Simmons spends at least some of that money gambling, as he has a weekly column where he makes picks against the spread and consistently mentions gambling on all of his platforms.

---

4. He Started At ESPN In 2001

Simmons attended College of the Holy Cross and graduated in 1992. From there he went to graduate school at Boston University, where he got his degree in print journalism. He then had a brief stint at the Boston Herald before earning a job at ESPN in 2001.

Originally given space on ESPN’s Page 2 blog, Simmons stood out due to his unique writing and commentary style.

---

5. He Founded Grantland.com 2011

The site launched in June 2011 and specializes in entertainment and sports feature writing. Simmons is editor in chief of the website. When his contract expires, he will no longer be apart of Grantland. The site has produced excellent content, including a variety of basketball oral histories.

0 Comments