I don’t know why they just don’t stick Stephen A. and Skip on NBA Countdown, because everything they have done in the past has failed.
Oh and this nugget from the NY Daily News says Bill Simmons didn’t want to leave NBA Countdown he was basically kicked off the show for being a baby.
The real headline here should have been this: Simmons loses power struggle to Sage Steele. ESPN to debut entirely new “Countdown” cast.
While it should, the former is not likely to happen. The latter did. When Simmons, the editor of Grantland, was riding high in the power department, he was able to grease the skids for the “Countdown” departures of Magic Johnson and Michael Wilbon.
With these two cats disposed of and Simmons’ trusty wing man, Jalen Rose, at his side, it looked like clear sailing ahead, that Simmons would keep setting the tone of the show and controlling it.
Unfortunately for Simmons, no one predicted nature taking its course. Or Steele refusing to take Simmons’ crap. That, and the fact the show still sucked, led to Simmons becoming the proud recipient of an exit visa. So let the spin continue. Those who still think it was actually Simmons who wanted out, well, don’t stop believing.
The Daily News is also the one reporting Stephen A. could be in line as his replacement, while Steele, Collins and Rose will stay on board next year.
H/T No Guts No Glory