Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Bill Simmons

Public opinion and media debates around Bill Simmons—discover key moments of controversy.

Bill Simmons is a prominent American sportswriter, podcaster, and cultural commentator. He rose to fame as "The Boston Sports Guy" before joining ESPN in 2001. During his tenure at ESPN, he contributed to ESPN.com, hosted the popular podcast "The B.S. Report", and served as an NBA Countdown analyst. In 2015, he left ESPN and founded The Ringer, a successful sports and pop culture website, where he currently serves as CEO. Simmons is known for his unique blend of sports analysis, pop culture references, and personal anecdotes, establishing him as a significant voice in sports media.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

2006: Isiah Thomas Threatens Bill Simmons

In early 2006, Isiah Thomas threatened Bill Simmons on Stephen A. Smith's radio show, stating there would be "trouble" if they ever met. They later met in Las Vegas and resolved their issues, deciding they were both entertainers at heart.

July 16, 2007: Jerry Remy Criticizes Simmons on NESN

On July 16, 2007, Red Sox announcer Jerry Remy criticized Bill Simmons for about five minutes during the NESN broadcast of a Red Sox–Royals game after Simmons remarked that he was a better choice than Remy for the presidency of Red Sox Nation because he is not a smoker.

November 2008: Simmons Quits B.S. Report Due to Corporate Interference

In November 2008, Bill Simmons quit the B.S. Report due to corporate interference with his writing. The controversy centered on the admission of a pornstar into an ESPN fantasy basketball league. Simmons was upset that his explanation of ESPN's refusal to allow him into the league was edited out of a podcast.

2009: Punished by ESPN for Tweets Critical of WEEI

In late 2009, Bill Simmons was punished by ESPN for writing tweets critical of Boston sports radio station WEEI's The Big Show. He was suspended from Twitter for two weeks.

March 2013: Suspension from Twitter for Criticizing First Take

In March 2013, ESPN suspended Bill Simmons from Twitter after he posted tweets critical of ESPN's First Take.

2013: Criticism for Linking Grizzlies' Ambivalence to MLK Assassination Trauma

In 2013, Bill Simmons faced widespread critique for linking local fans' ambivalence about the Memphis Grizzlies' chances to lingering trauma surrounding the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.

September 24, 2014: Suspension for Criticizing Roger Goodell

On September 24, 2014, ESPN suspended Bill Simmons for three weeks for criticizing NFL commissioner Roger Goodell's handling of the Ray Rice domestic violence case. Simmons stated that Goodell was lying about not knowing what was on the tape showing Rice punching his fiancé.

September 2017: Simmons Supports Jemele Hill

In September 2017, Bill Simmons voiced his support for Jemele Hill, who faced controversy after tweeting her personal views on Donald Trump.

June 2020: Criticism for Lack of Diversity

In June 2020, Bill Simmons received criticism for the lack of racial diversity in The Ringer following email comments he made to The New York Times.

September 1, 2021: Accusations of Marginalizing The Ringer's Union

On September 1, 2021, The New York Times published an investigation into The Ringer's workplace culture, including accusations that Bill Simmons tried to marginalize The Ringer's newly formed union through tactics such as bringing in contract workers and unfollowing writers on Twitter who had expressed support for the union.

April 26, 2022: Criticism for "...fuck Jalen Green" Comment

On April 26, 2022, Bill Simmons faced criticism from current and former NBA players for his comment stating "...fuck Jalen Green" when discussing his choices for All-Rookie first team. Simmons clarified it was a joke and indicated his preference for Herb Jones.

June 2023: Simmons Calls Prince Harry and Meghan "Fucking Grifters"

In June 2023, Bill Simmons referred to Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex, as "fucking grifters" following the mutual decision of Spotify and their Archewell productions to end a $20 million agreement after only 12 episodes of Meghan's Archetypes podcast and one holiday special. Simmons, an executive at Spotify, also mentioned a Zoom call with Harry regarding a podcast idea.