<![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons - Deadspin Comments]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons - Deadspin Comments]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> That's a great candid shot of Bill.

The Sports Hernia

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> @Karate_Kid_Reference:

good gawd is that a stupid site. get a life.

nice to see cooler heads prevail in the voting however. sot (suck on that) sotsg.

sinister midget

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> BMass

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> Doesn't it mean anything that he's gotten to the point where it's lame to even make fun of him? He's so awful, he's like O.J. or Michael Jackson now. All his defenders make all this noise about how it's so played to rag on him. But who the hell is so annoying that they get to the point where people are even bored of hearing them get banged on??

He doesn't know anything about the NFL, any college sports, the NHL, the NL in MLB, the PGA, NASCAR, the PBA, the AVP, the ATP, etc. The only thing he's supposed to do is represent the voice of the fan. Didn't that end a long ass time ago when he got total access?

If you want to hang on to him because he's a huge Boston/UCLA basketball/USC football homer and you love those teams, or because you've got nostalgia over the Boston Sports Guy, then fine. But don't ever try to justify it.

Dude's a douche. That's it.

starksgotejected

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> I prefer his basketball columns to his other sport-focused ones. He actually knows basketball better than the average fan. He's okay with football, except for the whole Boston thing. His baseball insights, however, are awful for anything except AL KEEPER LEAGUE TWO MAN FANTASY LEAGUES.

That said, anyone who can record his woman-ish phone conversations with his buddies and market that as a crucial component of his media empire earns my admiration, if not respect.

DwayneBoweCoalition

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> Whatever his faults, and they are many, he is the only media person with a national audience who saw the shit that was being thrown at fans of the Seattle Sonics and did something about it. For that alone, I would approve.

IchiroSuzukiSamurai

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> Greek McPapadopoulos

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> Greek McPapadopoulos

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> Simmons is a guy who seems to get it from both ends AT THE SAME TIME.

fixed

Meast Of The East

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> @Avoid the Clap, Jimmy Dugan:

"Also, I find BDD's anti-Simmons screeds to be far more formulaic and repetitive than the man's columns themselves."

Agreed.

poutineandgravy

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> @BrockLanders: This is clearly much more like when everyone on The OC accepted Ryan.

EditorOfTheDailyFaberian

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> Nostalgia makes me approve. Where do we approve/disapprove of his interns.

LosOsosdeChicago

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> @supermike5alive: +1. Cameran was robbed.

EditorOfTheDailyFaberian

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> I really liked Simmons before blah blah blah blah blah and now I disapprove.

Psh. Whatevs. I approve; I read his first espn column when I was 15. Just because I'm used to what he's writing now doesn't mean I have to hate it.

RedLightGreenLight

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> Approve.

It's also amusing to read commenters complaining that his homerism is too much. You know, because this site has no room for homerism.

theballadofrickeyfoggie

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> Silky John-STON!

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> I read the first 100 comments. All I can say is wow, talk about a vocal minority. Approve.

Bullshooter

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> Approve. Followed him for over a year before he got to ESPN where he essentially blogged for Digital Cities Boston. He published my Gammons BWG and responded to my emails to talk smack about soccer.

I read him less now, but still do...

UncleHorns

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> @Turkeyleg: In defense of ds readers, had the racism been a little less subtle, the other 26% would've come around eventually.

KellyDownsSyndrome

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> @Naptown Drew: MY PARENTS BASEMENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

holy shit, Naptown Drew. you fucking WIN! MY PARENTS BASEMENT!!! THAT'S WHERE I AM!!!!

lolzcatz4ever u win commenter of the day of today.

supermike5alive

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> I THOUGHT I KNEW YOU DEADSPIN

YouArnottTheFather

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> PaulimusPrime

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> Remember what Iracane told us in the "Top Ten Commenting Memes of 2007 That Should Die In 2008":

Bill Simmons Has Gotten, Like, So Bad: You may not agree with everything he writes but telling everyone that he's a hack is just...hack.

[deadspin.com]

It's like we're not even listening to him. And what's with the Martin Lawrence picture?

suntastic

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> Me and Willie McGee

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> "He writes about what interests him (I get my fill of NBA knowledge from him, it's like all I need of the NBA.)"

I can't believe how many times I've read some variant on that.

He knows as much about the NBA as he does football betting. If you read him consistently *and* followed the sport, you'd know that. It's stunning how many people say, "you know, I don't follow the NBA, but Bill Simmons really knows his stuff."

This is a dark day for Deadspin. I kinda feel like this place has lost some of its legitimacy today.

Vandermint

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> I approve, despite his blind support of the Patriots.

Sasquatch

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> Ah, home from work where my commentitude has taken a boss-related setback lately.

Simmons is the best sportswriter in the MSM today. When the competition is Woody Paige and Bill Plaschke, that ain't saying much, but it's still something. His work has suffered since moving to LA but, like others have mentioned, without Simmons I likely wouldn't be reading Deadspin today.

Also, I find BDD's anti-Simmons screeds to be far more formulaic and repetitive than the man's columns themselves.

Avoid the Clap, Jimmy Dugan

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> I approved without hesitation, in part because I realize that I still enjoy his work. He's a columnist. He writes about what interests him (I get my fill of NBA knowledge from him, it's like all I need of the NBA.)

There are 25 other columnists whom I don't read because they annoy me. Simmons still gives me something to good to read about sports a few times a week. So yeah, approve.

Yostal

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> @Naptown Drew: Reilly, is that you?

suntastic

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> BrockLanders: Brock, how many of us would be reading deadspin without Simmons. Yes he's a homer, yes his name dropping can be overbearing, but he still can make me laugh when he's not writing about the NBA. I wish I had the earlier commentator linked on with the av club reference. There comes a time when who cares if something is hipster or cool enough, if you enjoy it run with it. Most deadspinners are regular guys and gals who like funny sports writing, and Simmons is a pioneer. Is he perfect, no, but he makes me laugh at work. By that virtue he gets an approve. / still hate Boston teams

FirstDerivative

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> Wow. This is surprising.

@Turkeyleg: Couldn't agree more.

FightTiger

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> There will never be a darker day in Deadspin history. I can't believe what I'm witnessing, but surely Simmons could come up with a wacky 90210 or Karate Kid analogy that perfectly captures the moment. And so help me Christ, almost three-quarters of you would get off on that. Un-fucking-believable. I feel dirty right now.

BrockLanders

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> @pinder: +1 + 2i.

That's right. I agree with you so much that you got both real and imaginary points from me. Which is good, right? Right?

//shows self out.

//in all seriousness, your point is dead-on.

suntastic

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> Gotta approve a guy who suggests dining on a turd sandwich. APPROVE. Is Bill done enjoying his giant ass bowl of Doc Rivers crow?

RachelRayIsTheDevil

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> I think the poll is broken guys...

sba

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> As stupid as his homerism is, the rest of his stuff is pretty good. I just skip anything that has a Boston related photo or headline now.

Sex Fabregas

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> Also devolving into self-parody: hating on Bill Simmons.

pinder

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> @Chamomiles Davis: YES...+10 YES!

Frank Grimes

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> Approve for nostalgia's sake. His success rate is <50% now, but for 3-4 years, he was just about my favorite thing on the internet, after fantasy sports and porn.

strong like bull smart like tractor

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> ...And the winner is...

Supermike16Candles!

Congratulations on all the attention from high-schoolers and World of Warcraft masters you got today. I will enjoy not hearing from you for days to come until Iracane rescues your ip address from your parents' basement to become the greatest Deadspin commenter to live!

Naptown Drew

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> I am sure I am not breaking new ground here, but does anyone have a pic of the Sports Gal? This is eating away at me.

Ruck Fossi Records

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> Approve, but it seems like he can't think of things to write about anymore, even though he probably watches hours of sports a week. Like he couldn't write a weekly update on the MLB.

alftime

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> That Bootleg Guy: He's become the worst kind of sports journalist- one who is more interested in the cult of his own "celebrity" than actually writing a decent article. It says a lot when most of us are shocked that he actually makes a salient point every once in a while.

Juancho

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> broad street bully

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> Fuck it, I'm approving. I like reading his stuff, and while his friends/wife/dad routine gets old it's better than reading half of the garbage out on the 'net right now. Without the success of Bill, other companies (Yahoo!, AOL, Gawker (gasp!), et al) might not have bothered with sports blogs. And even if they had, the blogs might be watered down versions of themselves.

Good to see over 70% of the voting public on DS can see the forest from the trees.

Moobs

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> @Mr. Bigglesworth: Totally agree.

Approve. Although, if you're reading this Bill, it's time for some new shtick. I get it: these are your readers and they are wacky. But it's getting a little tired. If I had to guess, I'm about 5-6 more overly-self-indulgent columns away from not reading anymore. You're starting to look like Barkley on the Rockets, or Hakeem on the Raptors, or Moses on the Bucks, or Ewing on the Sonics, or McGinnis when he came back to the Pacers (the NBA version), or David Thompson on the Sonics, or Alex English on the Mavs, or The Chief on the Hornets, or Payton on the Heat, or Kemp on the Blazers, or Mullin on the Pacers, or Sid the Squid on the Hawks, or Elvin Hayes back on the Rockets, or Sweet Lou on the Lakers, or Penny on the Knicks, or Cowens on the Bucks, or...well, you get my point.

I wish I was making this up.

And yes, I just spent 20 minutes looking that up.

NovakAintNoJokovic

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> I've developed a system for skimming past his rampant homerism and finding what's left that's good. Generally approve.

Jeff Martin

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> Lost in all this is he is a sore loser.

When the Pats folded in the AFC Championship game to the Colts, it took him weeks to even acknowledge it. You can't make fun of a team and then disappear when same team beats yours if you want to be respected nationally.

Disapprove.

Mr. Sparkle

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> @Chad Sexington: I don't mean to imply that you personally are jealous. I get why people wouldn't like his writing. There is a lot of stuff about his work that I don't like. But a lot of the reasons people on here have used today and in the past seem to be real petty. In that same song, Common also says:

"I'd be lying if I said I didn't want millions..."

Gus Johnson's Cardiologist

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> I like him for what he is.

Count Rugen's Sixth Finger

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> The two or three weeks he spent dissecting the great "Mount Rap-more" debate sealed the deal for me: disapprove.

With a fucking vengeance.

That Bootleg Guy

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> Unreadable. DISAPPROVE.

Jubilation T. Cornpone

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> @Get Him A Body Bag, Yeah!: Excellent question. My (acclerated) hatred of chowderheads since about 2003 has probably kept pace with BS's own media ascension. There is only so much hatred I can channel at Ben Affleck, and I doubt he cares that I don't go to his movies.

Johnny LaRue

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> MEANINGLESS PARODY COMMENT INVOLVING J-BUG, JACK-O, THE SPORTS GAL, KARATE KID, ETC...TEE HEE, AREN'T WE FUNNY?

Geez, enough.

suntastic

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> @Gus Johnson's Cardiologist: The 'envy' argument is a copout. To quote the great Common:

"If I don't like it, I don't like it, that don't mean that I'm hatin'"

Chad Sexington

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> I didn't know people had such strong feelings about richard simmons. sweatin' with the oldies is good but..... oh. uh, nevermind.

Bartolos_Colonoscopy

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> I'm confused by the "he writes NBA columns" criticism. Why is it so bad for him to write about the NBA? ESPN does, in fact, cover the NBA, so why is it off bounds?

suntastic

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> 2002 Simmons: Heartily Approve
2005 Simmons: Ok, I still approve, but clean it up a little, ok?
2007 Simmons: You are unbearable. I hate you.

Kim_Jong_Illin

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> @MiamiMagic: Quick note: the "Stuff" people are paying me to use the word stuff as much as possible.
Stuff
/I'm an idiot

MiamiMagic

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> @Gus Johnson's Cardiologist: and call each other "Bro"

Lance's Other Nut

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> Begrudgingly approve. I used to love his stuff, but with all the Boston stuff, I'm slipping away. Ask me in six months.

MiamiMagic

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> @Chad Sexington: Or the day the green-eyed-monster lost?

Gus Johnson's Cardiologist

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> @flightjacket: thank you, whomever you are!

cameron shoulda won hottest female!!!!!

supermike5alive

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> The Day Deadspin Went Soft.

Chad Sexington

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> Doesn't hate hockey, just the Bruins.

One of the few "must-reads" on this series of tubes.

Approve

/also approve of Supermike pissing everybody off

flightjacket

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> @Gourmet Spud: I first went to Deadspin after Simmons posted a link in one of his columns.

I've been waiting for this post for a long time. I've read every one of Simmons' articles since he joined ESPN. While his stuff is certainly hit or miss, and I think he knows almost nothing about baseball, he still provides me with an entertaining column from a unique perspective twice each week. In addition, he's a very knowledgeable NBA analyst. How many other big-name sportswriters can make that claim?

I'm also eagerly awaiting the BDD media approval rating. I find his Simmons-bashing more grating Simmons' Boston homerism.

poutineandgravy

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> Pre-2004: Approve
Post-2004: Approve of Jack-O

//"Johnnnyyyy!!"

BrianVan

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> LADYVICTORYUSA APPROVES UNLESS HE'S A MORMON

Carlton_Whitfield

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> He gets a lot more hate than he deserves, if you ask me. Approve, but not as fervently as I might have last year.

the-Bored

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> @Me and Willie McGee: I'm guessing that was in response to me. I am not a Boston fan, I live in Chicago and follow the White Sox much closer than most people should follow a sports team. Say what you want, but most casual fans, (not the type of people who read blogs like this) are drawn to Boston's sports teams, especially the Red Sox. They may not be fans, but they cheer for them. I don't understand it, but that's the way it is. Just like the idiots that are drawn to the Cubs. They may not be fans, but they woudl read a column about them, or have a rooing interest for them. Then there are those that hate them so much because of it. It reminds me of my feelings with the Cubs. I despise everything about the Cubs. But it isn't anything about the team or the players or the park, it is about the d-bag's I know that don't know anything about sports, but love to wear that Cubbie blue around and call themselves fans. I think that is how most people feel about Boston, and Simmons is just a lightning rod ESPN uses to fuel that.

Gus Johnson's Cardiologist

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> Approve. I like his columns. I just don't read the Boston ones since I really don't care.

Do you all forget that the column he did a couple years ago with the Youtube Hall Of FAme, Will had a sibebar with his favorites.

LeagueofShadows

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> @cromartie: @Me and Willie McGee: I'm guessing that was in response to me. I am not a Boston fan, I live in Chicago and follow the White Sox much closer than most people should follow a sports team. Say what you want, but most casual fans, (not the type of people who read blogs like this) are drawn to Boston's sports teams, especially the Red Sox. They may not be fans, but they cheer for them. I don't understand it, but that's the way it is. Just like the idiots that are drawn to the Cubs. They may not be fans, but they would read a column about them, or have a rooing interest for them. Then there are those that hate them so much because of it. It reminds me of my feelings with the Cubs. I despise everything about the Cubs. But it isn't anything about the team or the players or the park, it is about the d-bag's I know that don't know anything about sports, but love to wear that Cubbie blue around and call themselves fans. I think that is how most people feel about Boston, and Simmons is just a lightning rod ESPN uses to fuel that and build readership.

Gus Johnson's Cardiologist

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> This is seriously one of those where you need the "meh" option.

He's great when he's on his game, but I don't think he realizes how he's in his mid-30s and is one or two columns about 'The Hills' away from ending up on Megan's List.

Dan Levy

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> @Me and Willie McGee: Thank you, on behalf of the 80% of Americans (and Canadians, TSN) who couldn't give two shits about either Boston or New York, or their respective sports teams or fans.

cromartie

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> @Secret Identity: If he'd acknowledge that Randy Moss quit on the Raiders every bit as much as Vince quit on the Raptors, I'd cut him a little slack.

Vandermint

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> Comparing current Simmons to old Simmons is like comparing 90's Maddux with 00's Maddux. Not as great as the first era, but still pretty damn good and enjoyable. Approve.

My biggest gripe with Simmons, actually, is that he contradicts himself within a paragraph, let alone a column, let alone his entire body of work. I guess that makes him human. I guess.

The Teufel Shuffle

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> There's the problem: Boston fans think half the world like Boston sports. In reality half the world doesn't give a shit about Boston sports. 40% hate Boston sports. The other 10% are dumbasses.

Me and Willie McGee

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> I've laughed at too many of his columns to disapprove. Seriously, who here can say they haven't enjoyed his writing? Also, I noticed more than one of us has begrudgingly admitted he does know his shit.

Approve.

Uecker Seats

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> Disapprove. He lost his fastball when the BoSox won the Series and never got it back. He should never have dropped the "Boston" from his Sports Guy persona and his refusal to follow college football, college basketball, and the National League is not only elitist but kinda stupid. His blatant attempts to get in that "best sportswriting of the year" book are also pathetic. (See his New Orleans is back post.)

Two other quick points: the fact that people think he knows a lot about the NBA just shows how little everyone else knows about that league, and his Sports Gal stuff has just gotten creepy. If she's really that bitchy about sports and the way Bill provides her with a Hollywood lifestyle, then he ought to realize how she comes across, and if her columns are ghostwritten by Simmons as I suspect, he ought not make his wife look like a pretentious shrew.

Vandermint

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> @Karate_Kid_Reference: I love sotsg.com. I voted approve because without reading his columns, I wouldn't know what they are mocking on there.

EditorOfTheDailyFaberian

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> I approve of his style, but I can't possibly approve of his position as ESPN Red Sox/Patriots/Celtics/Fuck The Jacobs Family Correspondent.

The Legend of Vincent Tremblay

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> Approve, if only because I always enjoy reading his columns till the end, even though I could care less about the subject half the time.

Try that with a Jemele Hill column sometime...

Big Jim Slade

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> @Gus Johnson's Cardiologist: quit, not quick

Gus Johnson's Cardiologist

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> Made it out of Mom and Dad's basement, giving the rest of us hope. The blatant homerism is his role on ESPN, and if you don't realize that, well, that's on you. Half the world loves Boston sports, the other half loathes it. That's why Simmons is on ESPN and the Tulsa Sports Guy is still in Oklahoma. And as far as selling out goes, I don't think any of us would pass on what ESPN gave him to quick writing for his own site.

Approve.

Gus Johnson's Cardiologist

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> Approve...but please give Billy Zapka & all the mid-80's movie references a rest for awhile...

treatment_bound

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> sassydeerrun

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> He talks too much about Basketball, a sport I don't give a shit about, so he does not get approved.

ThatMarkDude

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> i clicked approve because i cannot live without his Real World podcasts.

coral you bitch!!!!

supermike5alive

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> I clicked approve.

His Pats columns have pissed me off, especially this past season. He fucking lucked out as a Sox fan 4 years ago and as a Celts fan this year, and when he's not writing about the NBA his analysis is usually subpar.

However, I've read his ESPN column religiously the past 6 years and it introduced me to other sports sites that eventually led to this one, and he's still a must-read when it comes to the NBA. Hell, even his podcast is surprisingly well-done, especially when he gets good guests, so I'm approving.

VTBen

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> @Von Hayes: OH! good to know "everyone else" finally has a spokesman! you're just the person for it, Von Hayes.

for the next Combudsman column: people talking to me.

no wait, we already did that one.

supermike5alive

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> Regardless of how this vote turns out 99.99% of the readers of this site would change places with him tomorrow if his wife would just take the kids and leave.

betheboy

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> @preciousroy: I feel like sicking Ned on the readership.

Chad Sexington

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> I approve of Simmons in that he appears to be the only American media figure who appreciates that Vince Carter was a douchebag to the Toronto Raptors...or, in fact, acknowledges the existence of the Toronto Raptors.

Secret Identity

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> Bill Simmons' Media Ratings = Pandora's Box

The Apocalypse is near. I should probably start building that underground bunker right after I'm done... procrastinating.

Brazil Thrill

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> @drewheyman: I think you may have taken that post for more seriousness than comedy.

I guess I should have added a #12: You are offended by this post.

Bluenatic

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> I am entertained by his writing, considering I don't care for the NBA, Las Vegas, Saved by the Bell, White Shadow, Karate Kid, etc. etc.

blastitbiggs

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> Approve. But he still needs to be replaced as ESPN's go-to superfan. People got sick of Robin Williams, Adam Sandler and Jack Black too. No shame in passing the mantle.

Crookednose

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> @supermike5alive: Surprisingly, that doesn't affect your ability to annoy me. And pretty much everyone else.

Von Hayes

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> @Von Hayes: i don't know who you are.

supermike5alive

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> @Turkeyleg: I'm pretty sure that writing that column makes you a douchebag as well.

How dare people have fun at sporting events! = douche

How dare people root for their own state over some other crappy state or some other crappy country! = douche

How dare people wear clothes that I disapprove of! = douche, unless you are a judge on a Bravo or E! reality tv show.

drewheyman

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> Well if last year's DSHoF voting revealed anything, it's that the tastes of the readership at large, don't always align with the interests of the commentariat.

Not saying it's good or bad, just saying.

Michael Bertin

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> @LenPasquarelli'sStretchMarks: "how'd they do against that World Champion Quadruple-A Cardinals team in 2006? Oh wait, they didn't make the playoffs. Bitch."

it's like a bi-polar rhetorical smackdown of your own self's question.

supermike5alive

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> @supermike5alive: It's just so awesome having you around again. We need that depressed northeastern lowlife personality to keep things in balance.

Von Hayes

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> I still read just about everything he writes, so I think I would be a hypocrite not to approve, even as I find many of his columns starting to read like parodies of his older work.

Windier E. Megatons

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> @supermike5alive: Huh?

LenPasquarelli'sStretchMarks

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> Oh, and for anyone out there in need of the experience, I suggest you hunt down the NFL Films Special on the last days of Mile High Stadium and Foxboro. Woody Paige does the Mile High half, and Simmons does the Foxboro half. If you aren't throwing acid in your eyes, and their respective screeching, testosterone devoid voices aren't causing the paint to melt off your walls by the 25 minute mark, I'll personally send you 20 Indian Rupees for surviving the experience.

cromartie

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> @Turkeyleg: You should see the numbers at KSK.

OchentaYcinco

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> For what it's worth, his podcasts have made me re-like him recently, as his style lends itself easily to that sort of format. He can switch easily from "talking shit with his friends" to "asking informed questions of experts" and it makes for an entertaining listen on a commute. His podcasts, at least in my opinion, are much better than his columns at this point.

Get Him A Body Bag, Yeah!

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> i'm approving just because he's the "Rick Reilly back page of Sports Illustrated" before Reilly turned into a douche. I still click on his new stuff even if I think his Bucks job thing lost its funny about three minutes into it. "YES WE CAN."

asliceofbacon

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> @cromartie:

I can't wait for the Easterbrook MAR.

If he gets unfavorable marks, he'll just blame the Jews for rigging the voting system.

Afino

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> @LenPasquarelli'sStretchMarks: i BELIEVE you just called yourself a bitch.

supermike5alive

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> So let me get this straight: Roughly 74% of Deadspin readers approve of a subtle undercurrent of racism. Great!

Bluenatic

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> I quit reading his stuff many years ago (too much NBA) but his "Inside the Manager's Studio" with Jimy Williams from 2001 was pretty damn funny. I still think of that column when I think of Simmons. It's like that psycho ex-girlfriend that keyed your car and threatened to kill you in your sleep, yet all you remember is the freaky sex. Wistful, ignorant approval.

[proxy.espn.go.com]

Ladies love Fennis

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> To me, he's kind of like a comedy show on CBS, which you used to like, until you found HBO and Curb Your Enthusiasm, etc. (with CYE being deadspin)...or he's like FM radio talk shows until you found XM (O&A) or Sirius (Stern). The fact that he can't say "fuck" and "shit" sort of makes him look like he's G-Rated, with all of the sites and blogs out there now. I think if he wrote on a non-corporatized site, he would be much more tolerable these days.

I'm not sure the previous paragraph makes sense, but anyway, I am abstaining from voting.

/and fuck Boston -- how'd they do against that World Champion Quadruple-A Cardinals team in 2006? Oh wait, they didn't make the playoffs. Bitch.

LenPasquarelli'sStretchMarks

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> Roy Hobbs: Sorry, I don't understand why you think his getting angry about people talking about his wife and father is so unreasonable. If not for Deadspin that whole business wouldn't have gotten so out of hand. So Will is at least partially culpable. Not that I didn't think that was a great day.

Baudolino

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> @Will Leitch:

i sent that email. I send it nearly every day. And still you never call me. Fuck you. Fuck your commenters.

Slothrop

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> @Get Him A Body Bag, Yeah!: <-- this person, just like Simmons, does not speak for all Boston fans.

supermike5alive

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> Any columnist who can't finish above .500 in their NFL picks should not continue to do an NFL picks column (nor should they continue to make picks on TV -This means you Hank Six Chins Goldberg).

Makes himself look stupid with weak rationale taking shots at other cities.

Hasn't written a good pop culture column since the Keanu Reeves movie guide.

Living proof that all of the good Page2 columnists have died before their time.

Much like TMQ, the shtick has not aged well. Most of the columns that were fresh six years ago seem tired and trite now. Granted, it's not his fault Boston's sports teams turned into powerhouses, thereby depriving him of what could have been a long term good natured blogdome way of making a living.

But Bob Ryan made the print adjustment with class.

Simmons, on the other hand, is a Shark jumping douchebag.

DISAPPROVE

cromartie

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> That motherfucker.

Alonzo Mosely

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> Was I the only one who thought he was really the SportsGal when "she" wrote about the bachelor?

CubsDynasty

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> Roy Hobbs: Worth noting: I'm unable to find this email from Simmons to me, ever. Sorry. All interaction, as little as there has been, between Mr. Simmons and myself has been perfectly cordial.

Will Leitch

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> @twoeightnine: I'm sorry your friends are douchebags. maybe you need new friends?

MitchKayak

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> @Roy Hobbs: Maybe, but who's to say that was his call? He gets more hits than any of their other columnists, his column was ground zero for the worst of the worst that day. It's possible, even pretty likely, that the editors of the site don't allow comments on his columns because of the content the commenters put up there.

OchentaYcinco

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> I vote present

GungaGalunga

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> @petedmeatv: He's not actually a "Boston homer" per se. he's a homer whereever he happens to live; like he picked UCLA to win the NCAA's and wrote huge articles how they were much better than everyone else.

drewheyman

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> @Afino: Great, I step away from my computer for 5 mins and someone starts a fight and I miss it.

Dany Heatley Speedwagon

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> @SlickBomb: well now i think we've reached the point in time when the next Combudsman column will be all about not suggesting combudsman columns... thanks to YOU!!!!

supermike5alive

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> @OchentaYcinco: The fact that his is the only column where commenting is not allowed cements the douchiness.

/using other computers at the office to disapprove
/contemplating setting up botnet to acheive same goal

Roy Hobbs

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> I kept trying to vote no, but it only let me vote once.

Maybe I have a limited frame of reference, as I've only started noticing Bill Simmons recently, but the 2007 Patriots colums were so damn insufferable, I had to vote "disapprove".

elwood

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> He still writes a very good NBA column. The Sawks and Pats simultaneous success of late have some of his columns insufferable, but I'm not sure most of us would be too different in that same situation.
I usually don't read his columns, but it probably has more to do with not going to the tWWL than it does with him. Voting approve - though I'd feel better about it if he allowed comments on his articles. (What happened the first time would happen once or twice more and then pretty much stop as cliched.)

Im a people person. Who drinks.

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> Question to the non-Boston people here: if Simmons wasn't as prominent, would you hate Boston sports fans more or less?

Yes because my hatred stems from my friends who are Boston sports fans. The ones who couldn't care less about the Celtics last year but are watching every game this year. The ones who already were already celebrating the Pats Super Bowl victory in December and didn't talk to me for a week after the Super Bowl. The ones who think that I should care about Manny's dingleberries just because ESPN does.

That being said, Simmons doesn't help even though I haven't made it through more than a paragraph of his work in 3 years. I'd probably place more of the blame on ESPN and the NY/Boston media than him individually.

twoeightnine

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> @supermike5alive: How about for the next column: How can we make sure you stay 'executed'?

SlickBomb

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> Here are his picks in October for the eight Eastern Conference playoff teams:

1. Chicago, 56-26
2. Detroit, 50-32
3. Boston, 49-33
4. Miami, 43-39
5. New Jersey, 45-37
6. Milwaukee, 41-41
7. Atlanta, 40-42
8. Indiana, 40-42

Just sayin'.

StuScott Booyahs

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> I wish there was a "tolerate" option.

dwinn

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> Long-winded and boring. Disapprove.

the sieve

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> @supermike5alive:

Go to hell.

Afino

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> Nope, one of the reasons I've quit reading tWWL.com and don't miss it. Never understood his limited appeal.

ghostsoftheSCupcountry

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> Shits on hockey.
Disapprove.
The end.

DennyCrane

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> See #7 for further reference: [bluenatic.blogspot.com]

Bluenatic

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> @SonofSpurrier: I'll agree with that sentiment right up until you imply "Fuck Saved by the Bell."

Also, I like the idea that he got pissed off enough to email Will about the Revolution. Consider it this way: Where Reilly, Conlin, Costas, etc. piss and moan about blogs and all of our moms' couches, Simmons took it without putting up some dumbass column whining about it. And considering what some of us were posting on that column, I'd have to think the Sports Gal was in his ear to do something about it. At least he was smart enough to know where his bread is buttered. And I kind of like the thought that Simmons told me to go fuck myself, however indirect.

OchentaYcinco

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> I hate the Sawx, the Pats, and the Celts, though I still read every column of his. I get annoyed at his now fake "Everyman" persona.
But I'll approve.

HugsFromHarold

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> If the Hollywood move/connections caused him to come of as a little douchey, the Patriots dynasty made him completely insufferable. He's the guy who once couldn't buy a date, started banging an ugly chick and now brags about how he gets a lot of tail and you get none. I knew a guy like this, and ten years later, I still want to punch him in the face.

The guy can write, but then again, my ex-wife could cook.

Disapprove.

Jefferson Short Bus

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> Sh!tShow

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> Damn. I step away from my computer for five minutes, and Super Mike is stirring stuff up. Where's that guy from again?

Gourmet Spud

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> he certainly annoys me with his Boston-centric focus and constant NBA pimping... but I still read just about every column. approve.

Upshaws Leash

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> @SonofSpurrier: now THATS some shit no one would read!

you should start a SPORTS BLOG!!!

supermike5alive

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> Silky John-STON!

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> @supermike5alive: Oooh, Mad Libs!

"damn, i step away to _bop__ my _bishop__ for _17__ minutes and i miss _my sock__!?!?!"

David Hume

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> Why does his "blatant homerism" bother so many people? He was the BOSTON Sports Guy after all...what do you expect??

But he's no longer the Boston Sports Guy. He's the Sports Guy. He's billed as everywhere America's sports guy, the voice of the common fan which he's not.

twoeightnine

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> Fact: When Simmons announced he moved to L.A. I wrote him an email thanking him for all the columns.

Stev D

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> Christmas Ape

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> Question to the non-Boston people here: if Simmons wasn't as prominent, would you hate Boston sports fans more or less?

I ask because the first reaction that Boston fans get when reading one of his mailed-in columns is "oh shit, he's just making it so much worse," but that may not actually be the case.

/dick joke

Get Him A Body Bag, Yeah!

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> starksgotejected

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> I thought my disapproval rate would be the same as George Bush

/Simmons jumping on another bandwagon

CubsDynasty

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> @How do I say this ... THROWDINI!: Exactly my point but much more well-said.

MeSoHornsby

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> As a St Louis guy whose only experience with basketball is collegiate, I automatically disapprove of anyone who not only sticks to writing about the League, but takes the name of Albert Pujols in vain and calls the Cards a "quadruple-A" team that is light-years away from his Sawx.

I hate Simmons, and am surprised a majority of people have voted "approve".

Turd Ferguson

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> What a bizarre and peculiar voting outcome...

Great job gourmet spud. I liked the sentiment.

roland_t_flakfizer

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> I'm sorry you lost me at Media Approval Ratings.

Dany Heatley Speedwagon

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> Simmons pre-L.A./Kimmel: Approve
Simmons post-L.A./Kimmel: Disapprove

Bluenatic

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> @MeSoHornsby: its just specifically that the homerism is Boston-based.

if he was a homer for any other city, no one would mention it.

oh, also, no one would read his stuff.

supermike5alive

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> My world isn't binary.

Can I get a "Don't Care" or "Irrelevant" so I don't simply abstain?

Michael Bertin

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> Approve, but fuck Boston, fuck the NBA, fuck early 90s TV shows, fuck SNL, fuck cousin Sal, and I think there's a huge opening at ESPN for a southern sports guy. I think I'm the person for the job, I'll cover college sports, Nascar, the braves...you know all the shit Simmons doesn't know or pretends like he knows.

SonofSpurrier

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> 1. Good NBA stuff articles
2. Hates college football
3. Advocate for Gus Johnson
4. Boston Homerism gives me an internet target for when the Giants won the SB
5. The podcasts are usually funny

Approved

ftrain

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> Got to approve. As much as I hate the Boston-centric nature of his columns, he was the "Boston Sports Guy," so its not like we didn't have fair warning. Frankly, I think its refreshing when a sports columnist (or media professional) stays true to and even pimps their own fandom. (See Ankiel, Buzzsaw et al.) We all like certain teams, so I don't know why "professionals" have to pretend that they don't have a rooting interest. And while I now know more about 90210, Karate Kid and Hench than is necesasry, he's better than pretty much everyone else out there and there's no one else whose column I never miss. So, there you go. Oh, and his podcasts aren't bad either.

How do I say this ... THROWDINI!

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> For the last fucking time people, he does not speak for Boston, or the Patriots, or the Red Sox, (maybe the Celtics though). He might know less about football than Gregggg fuckin Easterbrook.

When he writes about the NBA as a whole, he brings something to the table. When he talks about Boston sports, he is a fucking embarrassment, and the unlikely internet face of Boston. Well fuck him. Disapprove.

Deeeeznutz

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> for the next combudsman column: "damn, i step away to ___ my ___ for ___ minutes and i miss ___!?!?!"

we don't care.

supermike5alive

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> @muggsybogues: I don't know enough about basketball to verify the veracity of your claim. All I'm saying is I'd rather read about baseball or football than the millionth basketball column.

SlickBomb

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> youstayclassy

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> Also, he looks just like my physical therapist, so I subconsciously want to thank Bill Simmons for fixing my back and shoulder.

Get Him A Body Bag, Yeah!

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> I have another comment. Why does his "blatant homerism" bother so many people? He was the BOSTON Sports Guy after all...what do you expect?? The fact that he's watched every season of The Bachelor should be more worrisome...

MeSoHornsby

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> Yeah, I'm one of those people who liked his early stuff but can't be bothered to read his junk now. Disapprove, I suppose.

1980 David Bowie From The Music Video Ashes To Ashes

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> I don't always like him, but I always read him. That gets an approve. Also, knowing he was crying like a little girl made the Super Bowl even better.

The Count of Monte Fisto

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> Network television sporting events will update their music once Simmons stops using references only involving the Karate Kid and 90210.

CubsDynasty

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> I feel like a lot of hate here stems from personal jealousy. It's like Deadspin is the home of sports hipsterism, which is probably why there's a good number of cross posters with the avclub. Let's face it, he's the everyman, and he's doing exactly what all of us would be doing in that position.

I actually like his NBA columns even though (or probably more because) I don't follow the NBA except those times when I stumble upon Sir Charles in studio. It's fun to read something when the author is passionate and knowledgeable.

/insert DS retread joke here.

Rusty Cajun Ron

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]> Usually, I stand by the Rob Gordon-ish mantra of "How it can be bullshit to state a preference?", but in this case, I hope somebody is logging the 'approves' and prepping said voters for sterilization.

being_sven

]]> <![CDATA[Media Approval Ratings: Bill Simmons]]>