Skipper on the podcast expressed regret over his handling of Simmons' ESPN contract situation in '15GETTY IMAGES
DAZN Exec Chair John Skipper told Bill Simmons he did not renew his ESPN contract in '15 because he knew Simmons was not "going to stay." Appearing on Simmons' podcast as part of DAZN's deal with The Ringer, Skipper said, "When I decided that we weren’t going to renew your contract ... all I did was beat you to the punch." He added, "Ultimately, you felt that you needed to find out what you could do for yourself if you were on your own." Skipper said he regrets that it "interfered with our relationship for a long time" and in "retrospect, we both in some ways probably look a little petulant and foolish." Skipper, on whether his personal issues that led to his firing at ESPN hurt his performance as president, said, "I don't think so but it's impossible to say ultimately. I'm proud of the job I did, and it may be an instance you heard me say earlier that I always felt a great sense of responsibility while some of my actions were irresponsible so I didn't adhere to my own standards there." He added, "Do I feel highly confident that I did a pretty fabulous job for 6 years? I do." Simmons said The Ringer has "so much DNA" from what he learned from Skipper, ESPN and Grantland. He added, "It wouldn't have happened without you so I'm glad we get along again" (“The Bill Simmons Podcast,” TheRinger.com, 4/3).
