Bill Simmons, who writes for what is called Page 2 on ESPN.com, allegedly has a beef with the parent company that he writes for. And with good reason.
For the Eastern Seaboard Programming Network, as it is known for its relentless pursuit of all sports east coast, are a bunch of hypocrites. Simmons wanted to interview presidential candidate Barack Obama to get his thoughts on sports, but the Grand Poobahs in Bristol, CT told him thanks, but no thanks.
The explanation to Simmons was that ESPN does not get involved in politics. They are all sports, all the time.
Which is fine, except it is simply not true.
Who followed the Roger Clemens congressional hearings practically 24x7? ESPN.
Who followed Barry Bonds through every inch of his congressional and Grand Jury missteps? Yep, that would be ESPN. Again.
And don't tell me they did it for the sports angle because much of what was discussed had nothing to do with sports. Yet ESPN saw fit to publish it as sports news.
Look, folks, Barack Obama, like him or hate him, is hot. He's news. And I'm sure he has opinions on sports just like every other red blooded American male. And if you wanted to give equal time, let's see what the others think too.
But apparently ESPN doesn't want to know, so they won't let Simmons find out.
And that kind of hypocritical policymaking is a shame. A damn shame, really.
For his part, it has been suggested that Simmons is pushing back by cutting down on his writing in apparent protest of the decision.
Good for him. But for the rest of us writers and even casual sports fans, it is that lack of journalistic consistency that makes us shake our heads in disgust.
But what are we to do? ESPN practically has a monopoly on sports, whether on TV, radio, online or in print. Heck, there are more ESPN channels on TV than there is juicy plump fruit in your bowl of Raisin Bran. There are more references to ESPN in writing than there are idiots in Congress that think Clemens is a hero.
So, we live with it, even if we don't have to like it. Mind you, everyone who is familiar with ESPN.com knows that Page 2 focuses on the outer edges of sports news. Yet Obama, Hillary and McCain are off limits.
Fostered with this new sense of journalistic integrity, I went off to check out what kinds of sports news Page 2 was serving up instead of the dreaded politics. Would it be a heartwarming story of Eight Belles' tragic death? Or perhaps a funny take on the latest SpyGate episode? Not quite.
It was an expose on who Tony Romo's next girlfriend ought to be now that he's apparently done with Jessica Simpson. Now that's some hard-hitting sports journalism for you. Good thing they didn't soften it up with some irrelevant politician's thoughts on sports. Even though that politician may be our next President.
As recent history has shown, ESPN has its policies and it sticks with them at all times. Come to think of it, except when it doesn't want to. In that case, they simply make up new ones. That's life at the Worldwide Leader in Hypocritical Sports.
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2 months ago
No really?? are you saying that ESPN is a bunch of hypocrites? who woulda thought it. Really though I'm not being sarcastic in a condascending manner, its just that I have seen/read their crap for a long time and it really is pathetic. They follow the sensational story instead of real sports, plus they really hate Alabama too much (not a tide fan just something i noticed)
from 2 months ago
Thanks Max, I guess it's not an original thought that ESPN are hypocrticial, but I heard about this Simmons thing on the radio this morning (not espn!) and thought that this was a perfect example of hypocrisy at it best (worst?). They dont' do politics, eh? BS.....
2 months ago
And why are we writing here? Because we're not paid by some faceless multi-national corporation to pimp their holdings and networks and toe their lines on politics. I appreciate your pointing out we can laugh about as obvious but you can't tell people any louder than that why they should write for this site (though there's no money in it ;-) ) and comment on the articles. Truth be told.
So, you going to interview Obama?
2 months ago
ESPN also edits their radio podcasts. I really like ESPN radio for the reason that the commentators often comment on things outside of sports lines. All of these comments get cut out of the podcasts.
2 months ago
If I was going to interview someone it wouldn't be Obama as I simply do not like the man. Of course, it's difficult to get interviewswith anyone in the public eye when you don't have a big corporation behind you.
2 months ago
ESPN is horrible they refused to cover MMA for the longest time and yet push garbage programming and garbage hosts on us. Does anyone else think Mike Tirico is a little overexposed?they constantly give us B.S. stats and look at last night the Baseball tonight plays of the Week Manny being Manny is put over an unassisted triple play?
Thay wont cover a non sports topic but will put on the spelling bee? or poker? cmon those have nothing to do with sports at all atleast pro wrestling takes athletic skill even though the outcomes are predetermined - kinda like the NBA-
I agree with you that ESPN is a pack of hypocrites they should take all nonsports topics off the plate or let this idiot interview Obama. I mean it's almost like the idiots on PTI rambling on about American Idol or dancing with the d-list wannabe washed up stars. Oh wait they do do that.
Did'nt Obama do the opening for Monday night football in 2006? and don't Mike and Mike interview the Governor of Illinois all the time? yes to both
espn who you crappin?
2 months ago
Simmons should have been allowed to interview Barack Obama if he wanted to. The ONLY caveat that I would accept ESPN putting on this interview would be that he would have to interview John McCain as well, due to the whole equal time principle.
Anyway, thank you for bringing this to my attention. I certainly have never confused ESPN with a news channel, but to hear this bogus explanation for not allowing the interview certainly caused me to lose a little respect for them.
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