ESPN likes to call itself the worldwide leader in sports, and they do have pretty exhaustive coverage of all things sports-related. They frequently break news stories first, and they have the largest and deepest talent pool of any sports coverage company.
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But you have to wonder if talent will still flock to ESPN after the way they have treated star writer Bill Simmons recently. Simmons is arguably the most popular personality ESPN has, and the company announced earlier this week that they would not be renewing his contract. That sort of thing happens, but it looks like ESPN "forgot" to tell Simmons that he was being let go.
Via Hollywood Reporter: ESPN's John Skipper confirms Bill Simmons found out he was gone via Twitter. Stay classy. pic.twitter.com/dbh9OFwayW
— Jimmy Traina (@JimmyTraina) May 12, 2015
Simmons runs ESPN affiliate Grantland, and he has written and made television appearances for the network for years. He has recently endured multiple suspensions for his outspoken views, and he increasingly appeared to be at odds with the higher-ups at the company. Peyton Manning Hoping Tom Brady Would Get Suspended? The final straw was apparently a hang-up in negotiations over the terms of his new deal, and ESPN decided it was easier to cut ties than to continue trying to work something out.
ESPN president John Skipper would not comment at this time on whether and if @BillSimmons would appear again on an ESPN platform. — Richard Deitsch (@richarddeitsch) May 12, 2015
Simmons has remained silent since the news of his imminent departure broke, possibly as a final protest against management.
Regardless of whether or not you like Simmons, it is pretty shady that ESPN made this decision without even telling him. Leaving somebody to learn about the future of their career on Twitter is pretty cold.
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