Does anyone remember when Bill Simmons wrote entertaining articles for ESPN.com?

CrimsonTider · April 23, 2009 3:02AM

I do, and they were fun to read. I wished he still wrote for them. They have another guy named Bill Simmons who writes for them now. I would rather brush my teeth with Ajax than read the new guys article.

Anyone up for a 5000 word snore fest on the NBA?

VitoCo1972 · April 23, 2009 3:09AM

He's the same writer...but there are so many ripoffs and blogs now that you're reading nothing but similar snarky sportswriters in the same manner. I find it difficult to read him now as well and I've been reading since the DigitalCity Boston days. It's the same reason why Dave Letterman just isn't the same guy that we was from 81-95...soooo many Letterman-like guys appeared on the scene and when Dave didn't change his style, he became just a part of the crowd. Same for Simmons.

gumbyfan · April 23, 2009 3:16AM

<< He's the same writer...but there are so many ripoffs and blogs now that you're reading nothing but similar snarky sportswriters in the same manner. I find it difficult to read him now as well and I've been reading since the DigitalCity Boston days. It's the same reason why Dave Letterman just isn't the same guy that we was from 81-95...soooo many Letterman-like guys appeared on the scene and when Dave didn't change his style, he became just a part of the crowd. Same for Simmons. >>

alnavman · April 23, 2009 3:23AM

I thought he pitched for the Phillies back in the 50's and early 60's.....no wait, that was Curt Simmons....sorry to bother you....

billwaltonsbeard · April 23, 2009 3:25AM

i kamt reede

dpuccio · April 23, 2009 3:26AM

He was a little edgier in his DigitalCity days but yes, I will agree that he is still the same writer.

I would love to get my hands on some of his old stuff. I remember when I first found him on his DigitalCity site he had an archive section with everything that he wrote. I went back and read everything and would love to read it again.

CrimsonTider · April 23, 2009 3:47AM

Some of early articles on ESPN had me laughing out loud. I really liked the way intertwined pop culture references into his stories. Ever since his move to LA, his articles have lost a little of their luster.

He wrote one article with 25 ways to dominate your fantasy football draft, classic. I miss the old B. Simmons

Jeff85fan · April 23, 2009 4:11AM

I love reading Simmons. Unlike so many other writers who suck up to athletes, he's not afraid to shun his ability to get access and actually have an opinion. Kobe, for example. He's not afraid to call him a selfish player, not afraid to give reasons why he doesn't like a certain player. Then you have Rick Reilly, who spends his articles fawning over this or that athlete.

As has been noted here, so many bloggers have copied his style that Simmons seems different but he's the same. Some things I love about Simmons:

-his unabashed love for his Clippers (and hate for Dunleavy)...hell, check out Mike Dunleavy's reference page for hilarity.
-if you read just one story this year, read this moving story about his dog...unbelievably touching.

The list goes on...if you don't like him, sure, I can understand that, his writing style isn't for everyone. But I can't stand these writers who ingratiate themselves with athletes and then lose all objectivity. Simmons doesn't do that and that alone makes him unique. He's like a blogger without access even though he could have access to anyone he wanted to talk to.

stown · April 23, 2009 4:17AM

<< But I can't stand these writers who ingratiate themselves with athletes and then lose all objectivity. Simmons doesn't do that and that alone makes him unique. >>

Really? Seems like he has a slight bias for any team playing in the Boston area...

Bosox1976 · April 23, 2009 5:04AM

Podcasts are horrendous, so is his ESPN magazine drivel. He is a very watered down version of himself.

RonBurgundy · April 23, 2009 5:16AM

What Mike said.

TheVon · April 23, 2009 8:30AM

<< if you read just one story this year, read this moving story about his dog...unbelievably touching. >>

That is a great story. Thank you for posting that link.

Ahmanfan · April 23, 2009 9:52AM

I love reading Simmons... granted I didnt get to read him 10+ years ago but I like his writing, especially his NBA writing. the current article is pretty good.. I bought his book about the 04 sox at the dollar store the other day and it's good.
John

lanemyer85 · April 23, 2009 10:17AM

never really liked him. He seemed too full of himself for a guy who thinks great "cutting edge" music began with Nirvana...and that is coming from someone who was wearing out their copy of Nevermind in 7th grade. Also he's too Boston-centric.

Tedw9 · April 23, 2009 11:16AM

<< 

<< if you read just one story this year, read this moving story about his dog...unbelievably touching. >>

That is a great story. Thank you for posting that link. >>

I'll second that. What an awesome story.

Does anyone remember when Bill Simmons wrote entertaining articles for ESPN.com?

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