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New York, 1:13 PM
Wed Nov 25
19 posts in the last 24 hours
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11/21/09
A while back Ordway, Smerlas and DeOssie met Simmons at a conference. They had a pretty good conversation, and supposedly exchanged mutual admiration for their work. All appeared to be fine.
A few weeks back, Simmons wrote somewhere that WEEI is only around because they built a monopoly on the sports radio market and have never had any competitors (which is untrue), and that their on-air personalities are lacking and past their prime (which may be true).
Simmons then went on the morning show Dennis and Callahan and they questioned him on this statement. Being the sissy he is Simmons lauded their work and said he was only talking about the afternoon guys (Ordway & company).
Being that in their only conversation in the past Simmons told these guys how much he liked their work, The Big Show wanted an explanation, and asked on-air for Simmons to appear on their show. Simmons initially agreed, then ended up (cowardly) repeatedly canceling on the day he was supposed to appear. Ordway called him out on this and this is when these Twitter "attacks" appeared.
Bottom line: Whenever Simmons is actually questioned on the crap he comes out with he shrinks into his shell and reverts to Twitter attacks like a 13 year old girl. Lame, Simmons. Lame.
11/21/09
11/22/09
11/21/09
11/10/09
Yes, a big part of his writing is pop culture mad libs, but the man is still funny and relevant.. #billsimmons
11/10/09
I was sitting with the American fan section and it was the craziest time I've had at a sporting event in my life. 100 police w/ riot gear surrounding our section, having everything imaginable thrown at us constantly for 2 hours.
I definitely have less respect for his "average fan" shtick when he passed up the opportunity to be an "average fan" at what he calls the most hostile sporting event he's ever been to in his life.
11/10/09
11/10/09
Yes, this is semi-professional jealousy, but I think we all can admit Bill Simmons has led a pretty charmed life. #billsimmons
11/10/09
My parents covered my private college education, but it wasn't because my family was rich by any stretch. It's because my father made my education his top priority over a big house, a nice car, or anything else. I imagine Simmons's father was the same way.
Of course, like the idiot I am, I didn't fully appreciate Dad's sacrifices until I went to law school, which I had to pay for. My father's birthday is tomorrow and I finally have a firm job... it's time to make amends. #billsimmons
11/10/09
He was the gifted, only child of a divorce- taking him to a ton of sporting events has "guilt gifts" written all over it.
I have a college degree and (Thank God, seriously) have a steady, albeit soul-crushing job. I make a little under 30k, and am trying to figure out how I can afford grad school, and maybe get married and have a family, and somehow find time to write. Simmons went to grad school then made a living solely as a bartender in one of the most expensive metro areas in the U.S.? Something doesn't add up.
Drew had a great assessment of Simmons, his fandom, and his book a week or two ago in his column.
Again, he has a great life and family, and he gets paid huge money to crack jokes and write about sports and pop culture. This is just me being green-eyed.
I just don't buy the whole "man of the people" thing, like when his wife supposedly walked off from whatever writing she was doing for ESPN.com on The Bachelor/ette because Disney supposedly wouldn't give her season passes to Disneyland.
Bill, please don't insult my intelligence.
Ok, fuck I'm bummed at the moment. Dickjoke, anyone? #billsimmons
11/11/09
11/12/09
I'll try and respond to a few points:
First of all, yes, it is pretty standard to bartend (or waitress) and make a living. However, the majority of people do it in addition to something else, especially if a) they're young and b) live in the big city. I don't know exactly about Bill (I can't listen to all his Podcasts), but between watching sports, writing and trying to get laid in his 20s, I'd have to guess it wasn't a full-time gig.
@CaptFamous: $30K (6 nights a week, HA!) doesn't go nearly as far in NYC or Boston (even with roommates), as it does here in Cleveland...and I still live paycheck-to-paycheck, pretty well within my means due to their being no other choice.
@docjcl: I never said his perspective wasn't valid, just disingenuous. I don't know rabid fans who have gone to the number of games Simmons has, let alone average ones. I give him some credit for actually paying for Clips season tix and not using a press pass, but he uses it in his work so much like a badge of honor that it's almost obnoxious. He makes it seem like people who don't watch or attend games like he does aren't quite up to snuff, and he's a major web media figure!
@eduardjm: haven't had a chance to yet, but it's on my to-read list. I'm a librarian, work hazard. And it is on my list to purchase, not borrow from work. #billsimmons
11/10/09
11/10/09
11/10/09
i would like to think, however naive this may be, that that college student could also be a woman. actually, i think Bill would agree.
11/10/09
11/10/09
11/10/09
Also starring...
- Leitch as the mop-topped leader of the Mattoon Invasion
- Buzz Bissinger as the early hater turned dubious ally, Frank Sinatra
- Jay Mariotti as the clueless crooner of inanity, Frankie Avalon
and guest starring...
- Norby Williamson as the gatekeeper nonpareil, Ed Sullivan
with a special appearance by Chris Berman as that lovable comedic idiot, Buddy Hackett #billsimmons
11/10/09
11/10/09
11/10/09
11/10/09
11/10/09
I will now light myself on fire. #billsimmons
11/10/09