Bill Simmons Breaks Twitter Silence After ESPN Exit
Four days after ESPN announced it would not be renewing Bill Simmons‘ contract after nearly 15 years with the network, the “Sports Guy” has finally broken his pregnant silence on Twitter. Did he lambaste his former bosses? Give any hints as to what he next move will be?
No. In the wake of Tom Brady’s four-game suspension by the NFL for his alleged role in the Deflategate scandal, Simmons simply posted a series of YouTube videos featuring highlights from the New England Patriots’ Super Bowl XLIX victory over the Seattle Seahawks.
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) May 12, 2015
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) May 12, 2015
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) May 12, 2015
The move was both in-character and a bit of a surprise from the Boston fan, who expressed some criticism of Brady after the NFL’s damning internal report came out, but much more for league commissioner Roger Goodell. Appearing on The Dan Patrick Show one day before he was fired, Simmons blasted Goodell for waiting until after the report was released to discipline Brady.
“He knows the results before the report is released to the public and yet he doesn’t have the testicular fortitude to do anything until he gauges public reaction,” Simmons said of Goodell. Many viewed that comment as the straw that broke the camel’s back for ESPN.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, ESPN president John Skipper told reporters, “It was business” following Tuesday morning’s upfront presentation for the network. He added that the decision does “not detract from the appreciation I have for Bill Simmons,” who he described as a “brilliant” writer who added “tremendous value” to ESPN.
“All is cordial” between ESPN and Simmons, Skipper insisted. Though, there has been no evidence of that fact from Simmons’ side.
[Photo via ESPN]
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