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Simmons Returns From ESPN Suspension; Relationship Fractured Beyond Repair?

Bill Simmons today returns "to the airwaves and Twitter" after serving a three-week suspension for a rant on NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, and an ESPN spokesperson said that he will "resume all duties for his podcast with zero changes following his reinstatement," according to Ryan Parker of the L.A. TIMES. While Simmons was not allowed to use Twitter, that "did not stop him from using Instagram to show what he was up to during his suspension." Immediately "after the suspension was announced, #FreeSimmons began trending worldwide on Twitter" (L.A. TIMES, 10/15). In N.Y., Mahler & Sandomir write Simmons' return "marks only the beginning of the intrigue as he and ESPN jockey in advance of the expiration of his contract next fall." The implications "may be far-reaching, as Simmons could become something of a litmus test for the rising power of individual brands in a rapidly shifting media landscape." Since his suspension, he "has surfaced only in snapshots on his Instagram account -- Simmons at the beach, Simmons on the golf course -- seemingly designed to let ESPN know that he’s enjoying his time off." But sources said that he "is furious and has been talking a lot about whether ESPN is still the right place for him." Simmons "has threatened to leave ESPN before, but this is the most pitched moment yet in their fraught relationship." Sources said that he "feels that the company has changed significantly" since he renewed his contract in '09. ESPN President John Skipper "remains a strong supporter of Simmons," but it was Exec VP/Global Strategy & Original Content Marie Donoghue "who called Simmons to inform him of his suspension." There remains "plenty of time for cooler heads to prevail," but Simmons "may crave more freedom." Even apart from the "ongoing tension with ESPN, Simmons has long seen himself as someone who likes taking chances" (N.Y. TIMES, 10/15).

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