Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting - Deadspin Comments

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

ImAManImForty — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 18:42:50 EDT

Those who are truly crying are the bloggers with as much traffic as access.

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

whodatmaninablacksedan — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 11:13:52 EDT

Over at Gawker, I saw that Will was hanging out at a Manhattan book party with gossip columnists. I think he was holding a champagne flute as well. Does that change anything?

whodatmaninablacksedan

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

JustinSane07 — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 10:51:54 EDT

In defense of Simmons...

Simmons became a semi-privledged sportswriter _because_ of his ability to relate to the fans. ESPN hired him back in 2000 based on his blog. They sent him to the first Pats Super Bowl because he was like a regular joe getting a press pass. ABC, the parent company, and Jimmy Kimmel hired him as a writer for Kimmel's show based on his Page 2 writing. All of his success is built off the fact that he was a sports writer minus access.

And he will write non-biased articles still. The article earlier in the year based on taking his daughter to a Clippers game (tickets he pays for, btw) is something that alot of fans can relate to. His running diaries are generally good writing and fun to read. The two articles comprised of e-mails from fans anguish over the Super Sonics situation were pure genious to run. The mail bags are great for the same reason. You think Reilly or King would publish articles where half (or more in the case of the Sonics stuff) was written by their readers? Hell no.

Now, to be fair, Simmons went to Holy Cross for journalism and interned at the Boston Globe. So he was trained to be a priveledged sportswriter, but couldn't land the job, so he started his "amateur" coverage of local sports.

JustinSane07

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

Sheepblog — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 09:29:06 EDT

Yawn. Um, those that read blogs like Deadspin get it. Preaching to choir. The over-passionate defense actually hurts the credibility. Let it go. We are smart enough to figure it out ourselves. And, perhaps the mainstream understand that and are baiting you.

Sheepblog

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

Unamerican — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 05:27:51 EDT

So true. I don't have to know a player to know he can't hit a curveball, or bats .200 at best with runners in scoring position. I can watch him. And being watched is what these people are paid to do. Does Jermaine Dye have an interest in Victorian needlepoint? Great. How's he batting? I care about their interests the same way they care about mine; that is, not at all. I don't give a fuck if Paul Konerko likes to sing along with the Sound of God-damned Music as long as he's healthy and hitting well. I will also go out on a limb and say Paul Konerko equally does not care if I enjoy singing along with musicals. What I want us both to care about is the Sox doing well this year.

Unamerican

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

the littlest rebel — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 22:55:10 EDT

the privileged sportswriters do suck but mostly it's because they stopped being sportswriters a long time ago. Michael Wilbon (sorry Mike I like ya and all) isn't going to tell me anything I don't know about the Wiz by attending a handful of games. you got to follow the team which is where blogs have an advantage. which is why I think Cuban tried to cockblock the blogs. the blogs are the future but the blogs with access and no allegiance to a corporation are even more of a threat to leagues trying to control content. they're the mega future. arrrgh. a beat writer can tell you who is a good quote or a good guy but he can't bag on someone like a blog can. the distance is key because fans can tell you if their team has a better shot in say the Final Four than Tony K. any UCLA fan who followed the team could tell you their karma was gonna run out. so what was I saying. oh yeah, another solid, Drew.

the littlest rebel

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

RandBall — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 19:06:33 EDT

Probably the second-best attempt at explaining the MSM/blog dilemma I've ever read. The best was the one I wrote because I'm in the mainstream media.

/kidding

Great stuff as usual, Drew.

RandBall

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

blackheartededitor — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 18:22:17 EDT

Talk all you want, established sports media. Bloggers have the upper hand in this fight because we own the future. Adapt or die, dinosaurs.

blackheartededitor

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

MrSinlinlin — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 18:09:15 EDT

The old way of doing things is over. I don't even read the local reporters anymore. For my news, I check out the blogs on ESPN from the guys who are in the trenches every day (Andy Katz & Buster Olney) and the box scores. For my entertainment, I read Simmons and the bloggers (deadspin, sports by brooks, etc). I haven't read a major sports game story in 10 years, and I only occasionally read advance pieces or previews.

In summary: blogs good, traditional sports journalism is antiquated, and Rick Reilly still sucks.

MrSinlinlin

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

BrianVan — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 17:59:19 EDT

Disagreements with the Simmons bashing:

* Simmons leveraged his column into general access to greater things in his topic areas. He's made himself a better authority on his subjects in that regard, without morally compromising himself in the least, even if he does write long and god-awful-boring NBA columns and stupid shit about 90210.

* We're talking Jimmy Kimmel here, spending Jimmy Kimmel type of money, so that means it's nothing you couldn't pick up on layaway in five years. Some of us make $30,000 a year and still have a 100-inch TV with large speakers.

BrianVan

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

Moobs — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 17:39:37 EDT

@The Diesel: Bartolo Calzone has amazing me.

Moobs

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

Catenaccio — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 17:38:44 EDT

Very good and all, but I heard El Guapo had a lift.

Catenaccio

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

Barry Lutz — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 17:17:03 EDT

@Peter Cavan: Simmons may have "sold out," as it were, but at least we know he's never going to write about bloggers in their mom's basement in their underwear, since he started out that way. I still read his columns but I try to push the Kimmel stuff aside. If I had rich friends with 3 HDTVs, I'd brag about it too.

Up until relatively recently Simmons ripped on bloggers too. He was fairly critical of blogs in the SI interview with him in 2006, as I recall. Then I guess he realized "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em" and started his own blog on the WWL.

Barry Lutz

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

LittleEdie — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 17:12:23 EDT

@Big Daddy Drew: I apologizing for implicating you in butt sex with a jayhawk. It was totally out of line and I am not joking.

LittleEdie

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

Rob Iracane — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 17:09:08 EDT

@LittleEdie: Dick Schaap's corpse already gave us the appropriate head-nod. Either that or his fucking skull just fell off.

Rob Iracane

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

Mayor McRib — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 17:06:29 EDT

I really wish I would have read this article BEFORE my attempt to interview Kige Ramsey.

Mayor McRib

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

Drew Magary — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 16:57:04 EDT

@LittleEdie: He calls me poopykins, but I don't care for it.

Drew Magary

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

CreamsicleOrange — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 16:56:40 EDT

He didn't need to see Rich Garces' tits in order to glean insight as to how he pitches (though I've heard Rich Garces' tits are AMAZING).

Ummm, I believe flapjacks or dog ears are the preferred nomenclature.

CreamsicleOrange

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

André Roussimoff — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 16:56:29 EDT

My mother's basement is unfinished and full of radon. Come visit, Reilly.

André Roussimoff

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

2ndBase — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 16:53:43 EDT

CYBER FIGHT!!!!

2ndBase

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

LittleEdie — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 16:50:02 EDT

@PeteJayhawk: Don't like me picking on your boyfriend?

"bitch" is a good one, btw. Is that what BDD calls you in bed?

LittleEdie

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

Pete Gaines — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 16:45:12 EDT

@LittleEdie: Fuck you, bitch.

Pete Gaines

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

Pete Gaines — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 16:44:25 EDT

So, uh, Kenny Wilcoxen didn't actually die. You know that, right?

Pete Gaines

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

reigningbloodysox — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 16:41:31 EDT

ummm, minor point here. The referee didn't die.

reigningbloodysox

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

LittleEdie — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 16:40:01 EDT

The incessant bitching on bloggers parts that what you call "priveleged" writers' unacceptance of them-aren't your dicks raw from this circle jerk yet? Are bloggers important? Eh, kinda. Is sportswriting important? Eh, as far as entertainment writing goes, kinda. Will it take the ghost of Dick Schaap saying bloggers are a-ok to shut you guys up? I'm sorry Rick Reilly doesn't like you-and I'm sorry you aren't paid four trillion dollars a year to give your opinion on sports. Guess what, the rest of us sports fans aren't either.

PS more ass shots please.

LittleEdie

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

Bring Me The Head of Karim Garcia — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 16:33:20 EDT

A little public ass-ogling by the Rickster in that picture. For God's sake, somebody send him the link to Mena's backyard.

Bring Me The Head of Karim Garcia

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

The Sports Hernia — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 16:31:54 EDT

@Dan Daoust: Not quite arrogant enough of a clothing line for me.

The Sports Hernia

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

LenPasquarelli'sStretchMarks — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 16:30:26 EDT

I have a feeling authors and publishers really enjoy the amazon used book marketplace.

LenPasquarelli'sStretchMarks

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

Dirka Dirka — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 16:26:44 EDT

*Golf clap

Dirka Dirka

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

ClownForPound — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 16:22:03 EDT

@Pittsburgh Sports and Mini Ponies: Great stuff. Plus, the area's full of accessless, relatable, sports-thinkin' drunks.

ClownForPound

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

supermike5alive — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 16:19:11 EDT

@Dan Daoust: really, not an issue.

that shit is lame.

supermike5alive

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

The Diesel — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 16:17:20 EDT

@Dan Daoust: Done.

I can also eat just one Lay's Potato Chip.

The Diesel

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

StevieY19 — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 16:04:36 EDT

@Chamomiles Davis: But us blog-folk would still be important because of our lack of access.

StevieY19

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

Dan Daoust — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 16:04:31 EDT

I defy anyone to flip through a Brooks Brothers catalogue and not mentally circle at least six items of clothing and accessories they'd like to own.

Dan Daoust

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

HappyFeltonsGloryHole — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 16:03:56 EDT

Reilly spent time with Pete Rose when Charlie Hustle managed the Reds. He went to Pete's home and was amazed that Pete was a devoted sports fan who once he got home he would turn on the tv and how passionate he was about a hockey game between Vancouver and Hartford. Reilly summed up that Pete was a passionate sports fan. His inside information did him well. The guy couldn't smell the biggest baseball scandal of the 1980's when he was sitting on it.

HappyFeltonsGloryHole

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

Pittsburgh Sports and Mini Ponies — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:58:36 EDT

@Pittsburgh Sports and Mini Ponies: well that link didnt work. just type "mother's basement" into google maps and it works

Pittsburgh Sports and Mini Ponies

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

supermike5alive — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:56:46 EDT

surprisingly decent??!?!?!

that thing is something special!!!

i first want to see how much of the right cheek i can fit in my mouth, then i will try the same thing with the left!

supermike5alive

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

suntastic — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:56:20 EDT

HOW DARE YOU! Tony Parker will find you and send his thug, Mr. Vaughn, to jack you up.

suntastic

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

Pittsburgh Sports and Mini Ponies — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:55:18 EDT

@ClownForPound: My fellow annoying Steelers fan, I put "mother's basement into Google maps, and the first thing that popped up was the Washington Post. Didn't Kornheiser use that phrase? Looks like Google Maps is on our side

[maps.google.com]

Pittsburgh Sports and Mini Ponies

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

Mr. Pennsylvania — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:54:25 EDT

@broad street bully: hit him with a phone book

Mr. Pennsylvania

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

dont-forget-where-you-came-from-cheese mac — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:53:09 EDT

@Silky John-STON!: Exactly.

Most of this backlash is out of pure laziness. Sports fan have so much more access to information now that the sportswriters and radio talking heads are no longer the most knowledgeable guys to go to about sports. If they want to keep my interest, give me a reason. Get informed. Dont keep writing articles about how chemistry wins baseball games.

dont-forget-where-you-came-from-cheese mac

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

ClownForPound — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:50:40 EDT

This annoying Steelers fan would love to see a bar named Mother's Basement.

ClownForPound

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

stealofthedraft — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:50:02 EDT

Hanging out at Jimmy Kimmel's probably involves having to interact with Sarah Silverman, so there is definitely a downside.

stealofthedraft

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

Rickey_Fitts — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:49:50 EDT

@Pittsburgh Sports and Mini Ponies: I think she's ordinary...

Rickey_Fitts

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

Im a people person. Who drinks. — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:48:35 EDT

It's a good thing Reilly is classically trained. You couldn't possibly do a lame-ass "this is your life" show without a journalism degree.

Also - @ privileged sportswriting-

HA!HA! Your medium is dying!

/Nelsoned

Im a people person. Who drinks.

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

broad street bully — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:48:34 EDT

It @Mr. Pennsylvania: It is extremely easy to get riled up about this on the first really nice day here in eastern PA while sitting inside listening to *nsync coming out of the admin assistants headphones....I hope it rains tomorrow

broad street bully

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

Chamomiles Davis — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:48:28 EDT

So, by Reilly's logic, gynecologists would make the best erotic authors.

Chamomiles Davis

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

BklynJace — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:47:54 EDT

BTW, as such things go the Backyardigans is surprisingly bearable. Maisy, on the other hand, had me ramming an awl into my eyes and ears before the kid outgrew it.

BklynJace

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

Jews For Purple Jesus — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:46:12 EDT

I'd like to think that I'd consider Reilly less of a pretentious asshole if he started all of his exclusive access with the phrase 'door flies open...'

Jews For Purple Jesus

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

sba — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:45:30 EDT

Really good post BDD. Nice job.

sba

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

Mr. Pennsylvania — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:45:00 EDT

I guess it's hard to get riled up about this topic on the first really nice day here in central PA while sitting outside listening to a live Pearl Jam album....but if it rains tomorrow I'll be pissed off, don't you worry

Mr. Pennsylvania

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

BklynJace — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:44:53 EDT

+270 electoral votes for BDD, my new write-in candidate.

BklynJace

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

Secret Identity — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:44:43 EDT

Can we please send Rick Reilly where he belongs, which is the bottom-right corner of Around the Horn next to Plaschke, Mariotti and Paige?

Secret Identity

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

mingusmonk — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:44:13 EDT

Needs more Fishbone utoobs.

Otherwise, a fine intellectual piece that seems accurate and oddly out of place.

mingusmonk

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

Gourmet Spud — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:43:32 EDT

...(and can't even think of a new metaphor to do so)...

I vote for, "while sitting on the decks of their vacated Florida waterfront property."

Gourmet Spud

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

broad street bully — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:42:02 EDT

I bet Drew is watching the Masters right now and not stuck in some cubicle. So fuck Ricky, Billy, and Drewy.

broad street bully

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

Crookednose — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:41:15 EDT

@Peter Cavan: And people would call you an asshole for it.

Crookednose

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

Pittsburgh Sports and Mini Ponies — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:39:45 EDT

@Triple B: Endtable ASS!

Pittsburgh Sports and Mini Ponies

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

Silky John-STON! — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:38:48 EDT

Ahem, if I may:

Privileged Sportswriters are to Bloggers as Music Labels are to MP3's.

Ultimately, the Privileged Sportswriters know that their comfort zone is forever changed, and they are using the last, dying days of their dominance to disparage the new format, while ultimately forgetting that the consumer will buy what they see as valuable. The best answer? Accept the new situation and WRITE BETTER ARTICLES. And yes, I'm looking at Simmons on that one in particular.

Silky John-STON!

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

crazyjoedavola — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:38:33 EDT

@MickelsonsManBoobs: Wow Wow. And I believe its the Backyardigans at 330.

crazyjoedavola

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

Stay Away From Oprah — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:38:15 EDT

Why are bloggers never in their dad's basement? In addition to being assholes, people like Reilly are sexist, too.

Stay Away From Oprah

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

McCroskey — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:37:50 EDT

Amazing job, Mr. Drew.

As someone who used to work in sports journalism, I can say that the beat writers are generally good folk, and the biggest douchbag we had was our "national" sportswriter who didn't know that the Seahawks and Chargers were in different conferences.

McCroskey

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

7th Floor King Dingaling — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:37:37 EDT

None of this explains why BDD keeps coming up to me at work and asking me to pee in a cup

7th Floor King Dingaling

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

The Diesel — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:36:47 EDT

@Le K de K: How do you have access? Oh wait, you are a girl. Nevermind.

The Diesel

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

Peter Cavan — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:36:35 EDT

Simmons may have "sold out," as it were, but at least we know he's never going to write about bloggers in their mom's basement in their underwear, since he started out that way. I still read his columns but I try to push the Kimmel stuff aside. If I had rich friends with 3 HDTVs, I'd brag about it too.

Peter Cavan

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

7-8 Deville — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:35:30 EDT

+1 BDD, +1.

7-8 Deville

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

stealofthedraft — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:35:18 EDT

I wear non-iron Arrow shirts from Kohl's. They're awesome.

stealofthedraft

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

BigTenObsession — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:34:50 EDT

@Crookednose:

Dana?

BigTenObsession

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

Laser Guided — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:34:49 EDT

I'm sure Augusta National would have let Reilly in if he wasn't a sportswriter...right?

Laser Guided

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

Crookednose — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:33:36 EDT

Outstanding. Fuck Reilly, fuck Simmons and fuck you. (Sorry, it just seemed to flow.)

Crookednose

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

DeepFriar — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:32:51 EDT

Very well done, BDD

DeepFriar

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

CardedForDissent — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:32:34 EDT

Excellent Work. Now turn off the Masters, cause Wubbzy is coming on.

CardedForDissent

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

The Teufel Shuffle — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:32:25 EDT

The reporters who are closest to the fans are those that cover horse racing. Both the reporters and fans are drunk and degenerate gamblers. Everyone should switch to racing where the madmen run the media.

The Teufel Shuffle

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

the earl of weaver — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:32:10 EDT

Weintraub still feels very isolated from everyone.

the earl of weaver

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

TheStarterWife — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:31:41 EDT

I cannot decide if this column means Sage Rosenfels secretly has access to athletes and perks or if it means he's the bagman.

TheStarterWife

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

Triple B — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:31:06 EDT

[looks at Suvari's ass] Anyone know the best spot to place the ashtray?

Triple B

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

CubsDynasty — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:31:00 EDT

Because I'm gay, you see

don't forget whipped

CubsDynasty

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

Le Kangourou de Kataroo — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:29:03 EDT

What about regular fans who do have access? Does that still decrease their legitimacy?

Le Kangourou de Kataroo

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

Natrone Means Business — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:29:02 EDT

@Peter Cavan: Depends on whether his mom's basement has heating or not.

Natrone Means Business

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

Peter Cavan — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:28:14 EDT

@Pittsburgh Sports and Mini Ponies: I think it works better the first way.

Peter Cavan

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

twoeightnine — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:27:49 EDT

UM likes to watch Noggin?

twoeightnine

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

Sarcastro — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:27:34 EDT

And how about stopping the "in-you-mom's-basement" jokes. Thought you were supposed to be a good writer, Rick. Good writers don't rely on cliche. (Though they do rely on dick jokes.)

Sarcastro

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

FredGarvin — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:27:10 EDT

Bob Costas thinks this was stupid.

FredGarvin

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

Charlie Kerfelds Jetsons Tee — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:27:01 EDT

Full disclosure: I went to prep school and own a handful of Brooks Brothers shirts.

Slim-fit, non-iron 4 life.

Charlie Kerfelds Jetsons Tee

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

Pittsburgh Sports and Mini Ponies — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:26:13 EDT

@Pittsburgh Sports and Mini Ponies: there'd

IDIOT

Pittsburgh Sports and Mini Ponies

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

Jim_Ed_isabadman — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:26:01 EDT

Well said BDD.

Jim_Ed_isabadman

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

Pittsburgh Sports and Mini Ponies — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:25:53 EDT

@iHaveaRagingTebowner: Propose a foursome. There's be tits everywhere for you

Pittsburgh Sports and Mini Ponies

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

jake(ymon) — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:24:44 EDT

Nice. One of the best explorations of this whole issue I've read.

/dick joke
/shits pants

jake(ymon)

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

iHaveaRagingTebowner — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:24:23 EDT

My friend's super hot wife told my wife the other day that she (the other wife) no longer has sex with my friend because, "His man tits smother me".

iHaveaRagingTebowner

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

Peter Cavan — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:24:21 EDT

So as a commenter, can BDD relate to the rest of us who don't write feature posts for Deadspin?

Peter Cavan

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

crazyjoedavola — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:24:14 EDT

I hate Noggin with the hate only a parent can have. Moose and Zee can kiss my sorry watching on the 13 inch kitchen tv ass, while my kids watch the damn HD in the den.

Oh, and very well done.

crazyjoedavola

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

Cowboycane — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:23:27 EDT

Though provoking and well written.

Now go shit your pants and make me laugh, keyboard monkey!

Cowboycane

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

The Sports Hernia — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:23:26 EDT

My comments on the picture aside, really well done.

The Sports Hernia

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

Doyle McPoyle — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:23:22 EDT

In an attempt to reconnect with his fans, Bill Simmons' next column will include copious references to his wife's muff stubble.

Doyle McPoyle

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

DeepFriar — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:23:20 EDT

Is Deadspin in sub-Saharan Blogfrica - cause I heard there's mad syphillis down there

DeepFriar

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

Naptown Drew — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:23:01 EDT

half the time I have to switch it to fucking Noggin

Just pretend Simmons is forced to make his own "Oobi" and shove it up his ass.

/I feel your pain

Naptown Drew

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

Pittsburgh Sports and Mini Ponies — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:22:39 EDT

Solid post.

But I think they prefer to be called "drunken little people."

Pittsburgh Sports and Mini Ponies

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

iHaveaRagingTebowner — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:21:43 EDT

He wouldn't be a peer anymore

I heard that fucks up your kidneys.

iHaveaRagingTebowner

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

The Diesel — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:21:14 EDT

Rich Garces has nice "moobs" but they pale in comparison to Bartolo Colon.

The Diesel

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

The Secret Weapon — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:20:21 EDT

Nice job, Drew. And not just for the Suvari link.

The Secret Weapon

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

Cockeye Jones — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:19:30 EDT

I'm a classically trained journalist and I think sportswriters are the lowest of the low. Hanging out in the locker room, pointing your microphone at naked millionaires who hate you, and only speak to you because they get fined if they don't? Your whole year's assignments planned ahead of time? Jesus, what a fucking joke.

But also, blogs can get self-righteous as fuck and all the Simmons hate borders on self-parody by now.

Cockeye Jones

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

SlickBomb — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:17:48 EDT

Drew, I love you big guy, but Bill James didn't change scouting. He changed baseball analysis.

SlickBomb

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

Spanish Necktie — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:16:03 EDT

So, wait, Brooks Brothers shrits=gay? /reconsiders wardrobe (NTTAWWT)

Spanish Necktie

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

Matt Sussman — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:15:04 EDT

Drew definitely knows what he's talking about. The e-mails I've exchanged with him in the past have led me to believe this.

Matt Sussman

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

The Diesel — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:14:41 EDT

Been wondering when a good Simmons bashing would spew out of BDD.
Meh...needs more blood.

The Diesel

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

The Sports Hernia — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:14:17 EDT

Polo shirt and matching hat? What an overwhelming assbag.

The Sports Hernia

Ricky Reilly, Billy Simmons, And The Follies Of Privileged Sportswriting

1980 David Bowie From The Music Video Ashes To Ashes — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:13:54 EDT

I see. So BDD crashed Sussman's computer, but not before stealing his Rick Reilly column and adding a few dick jokes.

1980 David Bowie From The Music Video Ashes To Ashes