ESPN suspended Bill Simmons for three weeks on Wednesday in response to comments the personality made on his podcast earlier in the week, and the powerful network even took the step of pulling the audio from the Grantland website.
On his “BS Report” podcast posted on Monday, Simmons called NFL commissioner Roger Goodell a “liar” for saying he hadn’t seen the Ray Rice video. Simmons then chided his bosses, daring them to call him out for exposing the alleged cover-up. He got what he asked for.
The thing is, if you’re looking to hear the audio on the Grantland website, you’ll get a 404 error:
We still have the audio for you at this link, but it’s obvious ESPN was so unhappy with his rant they decided to pull it.
ESPN issued this official statement to explain the suspension, saying that Simmons did not meet their journalistic standards. John Ourand of the Sports Business Journal offers his thoughts on the real reason for the suspension:
ESPN says 2 reasons why Simmons was suspended. He called out ESPN bosses. Also, he offered no proof when profanely calling Goodell a liar.
— John Ourand (@Ourand_SBJ) September 24, 2014
My opinion is that if Simmons didn't call out his bosses, he would not be suspended. Penalty has more to do with internal politics than NFL.
— John Ourand (@Ourand_SBJ) September 25, 2014
Though the suspension comes across as harsh and unfair, it actually serves a good purpose for both parties. ESPN can flex its muscle and remind everyone they’re still in charge — while pleasing the NFL at the same time — while Simmons now looks like a martyr who is standing up for the people. The suspension enhances his reputation and helps keep ESPN in the NFL’s good graces. What a perfect situation!
