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

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?
collecting Dale Murphy and OPC

Comments

  • VitoCo1972VitoCo1972 Posts: 6,135 ✭✭✭
    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.
  • gumbyfangumbyfan Posts: 5,168 ✭✭✭


    << <i>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. >>



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  • alnavmanalnavman Posts: 4,129 ✭✭✭
    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....
  • billwaltonsbeardbillwaltonsbeard Posts: 3,748 ✭✭✭✭
    i kamt reede
  • dpucciodpuccio Posts: 117 ✭✭
    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.

  • CrimsonTiderCrimsonTider Posts: 1,381 ✭✭✭
    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
    collecting Dale Murphy and OPC
  • 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.
  • stownstown Posts: 11,321 ✭✭✭


    << <i>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...
    So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
  • Bosox1976Bosox1976 Posts: 8,567 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Podcasts are horrendous, so is his ESPN magazine drivel. He is a very watered down version of himself.
    Mike
    Bosox1976
  • RonBurgundyRonBurgundy Posts: 5,491 ✭✭✭
    What Mike said.
    Ron Burgundy

    Buying Vintage, all sports.
    Buying Woody Hayes, Les Horvath, Vic Janowicz, and Jesse Owens autographed items
  • TheVonTheVon Posts: 2,725


    << <i>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.
  • AhmanfanAhmanfan Posts: 4,419 ✭✭✭✭
    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
    Collecting
    HOF SIGNED FOOTBALL RCS
  • lanemyer85lanemyer85 Posts: 1,362 ✭✭✭
    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.
  • Tedw9Tedw9 Posts: 1,424 ✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>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.
    Looking for Carl Willey items.
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