Whether you know it or not, the chances are Bill Simmons has influenced your sports viewing. You may have read his columns or listened to his podcast, without doubt you have viewed at least one 30 for 30 documentary. Without him, many Irish sports fans would certainly be far less informed. The now former ESPN writer, will depart “The Worldwide Leader” in September after it was announced yesterday his contract would not be renewed.
“The Sports Guy” was one of the more powerful people inside ESPN. His online presence initially through his columns and later podcasts helped establish him one of the prominent internet journalists, helping solidify ESPN.com as a key media site. Perhaps more important than that is his writing itself. He essentially created a genre of writing. Simmons’ writing is not far everyone, it can be at times misogynistic, and laden with references to pop culture as well as Simmons’ personal life and friends. However Simmons was and will continue to be a big draw, he presented the view of the fan, ostensibly a Boston sports fan, with greater success than anyone else. He cultivated a legion of loyal followers. Prior to creating his own website Grantland.com (under the auspices of ESPN) in 2011, Simmons’ columns were believed to have attracted 740,000 visitors a month. To put that in perspective, last August, Grantland, attracted 4.8 million viewers. When one considers that Simmons’ clout has only grown since 2011, it puts the future of Grantland into doubt despite the claims of ESPN president John Skipper. When you consider the fact that Simmons has loyal writers at Grantland, and the alarming lack of growth of the site, compared to other media sites like SB Nation and Deadspin, Skipper’s claims are certainly dubious.
Simmons has been an undeniable influence even on the likes of this site. When you read articles like “12 of the best Simpsons Sports Moments” and “One Day in Thurles” (the title itself a reference to the one 30 for 30, Simmons receives an acting credit in), think of Bill Simmons. You didn’t read Simmons for hard analysis, his writing could be amusing with its blend of pop culture and sport, yet the fan perspective is also critical. Writing as a fan helps instill emotion and atmosphere. Simmons’s rise coincided with the unprecedented success of Boston sports. His Red Sox columns (collected in his book “Now I Can Die in Peace”) epitomise the tortured existence of sports fans juxtaposed with the elation of success.
Simmons wrote about things you and your friends would chat about. His references to beloved American shows like Miami Vice, 90210, and The Wire, while talking about the devilish characteristics of American sport stars made his writing unique and enjoyable. The references on this site reflect an Irish target demographic (the late teens to early 30s age group). Many of us here at Balls towers have mimicked Simmons’ style, replace 90210 with The Simpsons and Father Ted and you’re in the right ballpark. Looking for a mainstream Irish equivalent to “The Sports Guy”, Second Captains would seem to be the obvious choice, even if they are not print media. Now frequently seen on TV, Second Captains embody the Simmons spirit of sport analysis blended with nostalgia and pop culture.
The writing appeared to be on the wall for Simmons since last September. He has long been a critic of some of his ESPN colleagues and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. In the fallout of Ray Rice’s domestic violence charges last September, Simmons had the temerity to call Roger Goodell, a liar, believing he had access to the fated elevator tape. It now appears that Simmons has not spoken to ESPN president John Skipper since then, making the departure understandable. Simmons will have a plethora of options, his 32 million podcast downloads annually in addition to his columns will see him receive offers. Whether he receives the autonomy he had at Grantland is perhaps open to debate. Much like his beloved Boston Sports teams, Simmons will be a success wherever he goes.
