LOL I think the OP is confusing fame and fortune with actual power. Simmons is pretty famous, and because of his own "I'm a fan too" style of writing he's made quite a bit of money. But just because everybody knows who he is doesn't mean he has actual power, lol as Doc Rivers said Simmons tried to get him fired and he failed miserably. How's that a testament to BS's power?
What is this "power" over? Coaches in general seem fairly low on the "power" totem poll as is. Just look how many great coaches were let go this season. Look how many Coach of the Year's get fired within 2-3 years of winning. Coaches in the NBA hardly seem "powerful".
I think YOU are confusing power with being able to fire people. That's what either too much Donald Trump watching or working in a corporations can do to people.
Power is knowing you can say what you want without consequences. Bill Simmons talks crap about ESPN on ESPN and nothing happens to him. He holds that much weight. That seems like power to me.
OP is referring a lot to influence. Simmons' has a large influence over the opinions of the public and that is power for a journalist IMO.
Did you see the fear in Jalen Rose's and Bias's face during that exchange? They knew if they did that, they would be fired the next day. Simmons is like the Barkley of ESPN. He can say pretty much what he wants. That's power in the media world if you can say what you want. Most in the media read the company's line.
Bill Simmons is impressive. He has BUILT HIS BRAND (via Twitter) completely OUTSIDE OF ESPN tentacles. He OWNS his brand. Thus, he is not beholden to ESPN. He doesn't need ESPN to be Bill Simmons. ESPN needs HIM as a figure to push their product. What Bill has done is what EVERY anchor on that set would love to do. Also why Dan Patrick gets praise for leaving ESPN and being successful in his ventures.
I'm starting to hate to see Bill Simmon's name everywhere lately, especially in all the basketball forums I visit. Why do you guys always have to ruin everything?
Simmons is the representative for the informed fan. Simmons : Magic :: Clutchfans : ESPN Not everyone is going to like his jokes or his style, but at least he thinks about what he says.
he talks about in podcast today, gotta respect that he sat down and talk to Doc about their disagreement, but alas clever Bill just couldn't leave it at that has to keep talking about it, the guy doesn't know when to shut up, just rambles about everything, more so when he has no knowledge of the topic, their cant be a bigger flip flopper in media or blogger land
Bill Simmons don't care! <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Whoops! RT <a href="https://twitter.com/NBCSports">@NBCSports</a>: The final is on ESPN. RT <a href="https://twitter.com/BillSimmons">@BillSimmons</a> "Radwanska! Bartoli!!!!! It's the Wimbledon Women's Finals on NBC!"</p>— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) <a href="https://twitter.com/BillSimmons/statuses/352159609336762371">July 2, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
When I started this thread, I thought Bill Simmons could be the last employee at ESPN if they fire everyone. Now I didn't think he could force out Magic this quickly. Among ESPN personalities, there is a dichotomy between jocks, fans and nerds. Bill Simmons came in as a fan champion, then gradually embraced the nerds, and now he's bullying the jocks. This was no ordinary jock, it was Magic Johnson, who is beloved by everyone. Bill Simmons is getting scary.
Grantland sucks. Everything about it is mediocre except Simmons' humorous articles, which have really dried up. I suppose Barnwell is OK, but he's a boring writer.
Magic may be personally loved but people know that he sucks at this TV commentary job. Wasn't good when he worked with the TNT crew and still isn't very good now. Great basketball player and successful businessman, just not so much with the TV game.
If i were you I would take whatever I read about Simmons on Deadspin, with a grain of salt. I'd wait to hear or read from an unbiased organization or reporter.
same guy that predicted rockets win/loss for like 11 straight games. dude is a prophet. dealeck, do u foraee me getting the job I've been interviewing for?
OH and now all that's left is to somehow get Shaq off TNT's broadcast set..... to him he is the best center to ever live, everytime you ask him to chime in on his opinion he names a guy like Andrew Bynum, who hasn't played a game for the past 2 years.
