Bill Simmons: NFL almost got me fired from ESPN

Bill Simmons believes the NFL had a role in his departure from ESPN because of all of his criticism of Roger Goodell.

Simmons was a guest on Mike Francesa’s radio show on WFAN in New York Wednesday and talked about his departure from his previous network. The two discussed their respective strained relationships with the NFL because of their criticism of the league. At one point Francesa asked Simmons if he thought the NFL had a hand in his departure.

“I do,” Simmons answered. “It really was the Goodell thing. I got suspended for three weeks last year. [ESPN] almost fired me.

“[The NFL is ESPN’s] biggest business partner by far. I didn’t think Goodell was being honest about the Ray Rice thing.”

Francesa said he agreed with Simmons’ viewpoint about the Rice matter.

Simmons’ suspension by ESPN last year made big news. He said the reason given for his 3-week suspension by ESPN was unclear. Some said the reason was his criticism of Goodell, while other said it was for challenging ESPN.

“It was pretty abrupt. I found out on Twitter. That’s 100 percent true,” Simmons said of his firing.

Despite the tumult with ESPN, Simmons did appreciate his time with the network.

“I got to do a lot of cool stuff creatively,” he said.

He cited launching Grantland and the 30 for 30 franchise as some things he was very proud of regarding what ESPN allowed him to do.

As far as his departure from the company, these were said to be the biggest reasons for it.