Former ESPN columnist Bill Simmons did not hold back in his criticism of the network after its decision to fire NBA analyst Zach Lowe, adding to the mounting backlash the sports media giant has faced in recent months.
During an episode of The Bill Simmons Podcast, Simmons expressed his disbelief over Lowe’s dismissal and took aim at ESPN’s leadership, accusing the company of losing its way and identity.
Simmons, who worked with Lowe at his ESPN-backed vertical Grantland from 2011-2015, called the move a mistake and said it reflected broader issues within ESPN. “I don’t know. I wish I could explain ESPN, and I just can’t,” said Simmons, who himself left the company in 2015. “They’ve lost their soul. There’s no consistency. You fire Zach Lowe, one of the best NBA analysts in the business, and for what?”
Simmons highlighted that the decision to part ways with Lowe wasn’t based on performance but reportedly stemmed from his seven-figure salary. “This is about money, plain and simple,” Simmons noted, pointing to ESPN’s ongoing efforts to cut costs amid a challenging media landscape. “I just don’t understand it. Who is in charge? What are you trying to accomplish?”
Simmons’ criticism wasn’t limited to Lowe’s firing. He took the opportunity to address what he sees as a culture of inconsistency at ESPN, referencing recent controversies involving prominent on-air personalities. “There’s a little bit of lawlessness there now,” Simmons remarked. “I mean, I got suspended for three weeks back in the day for a tweet, but now you have guys openly challenging management and others making headlines for, well, questionable things, and it’s like ESPN doesn’t care.”
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In particular, Simmons alluded to recent incidents involving Ryan Clark and Shannon Sharpe. Clark, a former NFL player and current ESPN analyst, publicly threatened to leave the network before securing a contract extension in February 2024.
Sharpe, another former NFL star turned media personality, made headlines for accidentally live-streaming a private moment on Instagram, yet faced no significant consequences. “You’ve got guys like Ryan Clark pushing back against management, Shannon Sharpe literally broadcasting things no one should see, and yet it’s all fine?” Simmons asked incredulously.
Simmons’ comments reflect a growing sentiment that ESPN is shifting its focus away from in-depth analysis and thoughtful journalism in favor of more sensationalist, personality-driven content.
This is particularly evident in its NBA coverage, which has seen major changes in 2024. In addition to Lowe’s firing, ESPN lost several key figures, including longtime NBA reporter Adrian Wojnarowski, who shockingly resigned in September to become the general manager for the men’s basketball team at St. Bonaventure. The network also parted ways with prominent voices like Jeff Van Gundy, Doc Rivers, and JJ Redick.
“If you’re supposed to be the Worldwide Leader in Sports, how are you letting these people go?” Simmons asked. “You lose Doc Rivers, you lose JJ Redick, you lose Woj, and now Zach Lowe? It’s like they’re actively dismantling their NBA coverage. And what are we left with? More hot takes and less substance.”
Simmons didn’t shy away from addressing ESPN’s apparent shift toward a more entertainment-focused approach, specifically referencing Stephen A. Smith, the network’s most prominent personality. “I like Stephen A., this isn’t about him,” Simmons clarified. “But it feels like ESPN thinks all anyone wants is more of Stephen A. walking into a Knicks playoff game, hyping things up, and that’s it. They’re betting big on the idea that entertainment value outweighs real, thoughtful analysis.”
In particular, Simmons expressed concern over what he called the “Kendrick Perkins direction” ESPN seems to be taking with its NBA coverage. Perkins, a former NBA player, has become known for his fiery, hot-take-driven commentary, which contrasts sharply with Lowe’s more nuanced, data-driven analysis. “It’s like ESPN is choosing the hot-take machine over someone like Zach, who actually knows the game,” Simmons said. “I don’t know what direction they’re headed, but it’s clear they think people want more of that and less of what Zach brings to the table.”
Simmons also pointed to ESPN’s failures in other areas, particularly in digital media. “They whiffed on ESPN Radio, they’ve missed on the podcast business, but they’re trying to stay relevant with YouTube, TikTok, Snapchat—whatever is popular now,” Simmons explained. “Maybe that’s their business model now. Maybe that’s where they see the future. But for those of us who value great analysis and in-depth coverage, it’s a tough pill to swallow.”
As Zach Lowe enters media “free agency,” many fans and industry insiders will be watching closely to see where he lands next. ESPN, meanwhile, appears to be in the midst of a major transformation, shedding some of its most respected voices as it navigates a rapidly changing media landscape.
For Simmons, the firing of Lowe feels like a turning point for the network. “This will be one of those moments we look back on and say, ‘That’s when things really started to change,’” he concluded. “And not for the better.”
