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 sports writer, podcaster, and cultural commentator. He gained notoriety as "The Boston Sports Guy" before joining ESPN in 2001. During his time at ESPN, he wrote for ESPN.com, hosted "The B.S. Report" podcast, and served as an NBA analyst on "NBA Countdown". In 2015, he left ESPN and subsequently founded The Ringer, a sports and pop culture website, where he currently serves as CEO.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

2006: Isiah Thomas Threatens Simmons

In early 2006, Isiah Thomas threatened Bill Simmons on Stephen A. Smith's radio show due to Simmons' frequent criticism. Thomas stated there would be "trouble" if they ever met in the street. Later, upon meeting in Las Vegas, they both decided they were entertainers at heart.

July 16, 2007: Remy Criticizes Simmons on NESN Broadcast

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, amidst a feud over the presidency of Red Sox Nation.

May 2008: Dispute with ESPN Management

In May 2008, Bill Simmons was involved in a dispute with management at ESPN.com. He indicated that he was writing less because he believed that he and ESPN had come to an agreement on creative lines, media criticism rules, and column promotion, but that these agreements had changed within a few months.

November 2008: Simmons Quits The B.S. Report

In November 2008, Bill Simmons reportedly quit the B.S. Report due to corporate interference with his writing, related to the admission of a pornstar into an ESPN fantasy basketball league.

2009: Punished 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 for two weeks from Twitter, but was still allowed to post tweets about his ongoing book tour.

March 2013: Suspended from Twitter Again

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

2013: Criticism for linking Memphis Grizzlies to MLK assassination

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

September 24, 2014: Suspended 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 the content of 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 had become involved in controversy after tweeting her personal views on Donald Trump.

June 2020: Criticism for Lack of Racial 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. Critics noted that Simmons employed his nephew as a producer and had created a podcast for his teenage daughter.

September 1, 2021: Investigation into The Ringer's Workplace Culture

On September 1, 2021, The New York Times published an investigation into The Ringer′s workplace culture. It included accusations that Bill Simmons had 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 drew criticism from current and former NBA players over his comment stating "...fuck Jalen Green" when discussing his choices for All-Rookie first team. Simmons later clarified that the expletive was a joke and not a personal attack, and that he was simply indicating his preference for Herb Jones as a candidate for the All-Rookie team.

June 2023: Simmons Labels Prince Harry and Meghan Markle "Fucking Grifters"

In June 2023, Bill Simmons referred to Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex, as "fucking grifters" after Spotify and their Archewell productions mutually decided to end a $20 million agreement after only 12 episodes of Meghan's podcast and one holiday special. Simmons, an executive at Spotify, made these comments about their podcast deal.