Fansided

Bill Simmons lost NBA Countdown ‘power struggle’ with Sage Steele

By Trisity Miller

Dec 18, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; ESPN analyst Sage Steele (left) talks with analyst Avery Johnson (right) courtside before the second half of a game game between the Indiana Pacers and the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. Miami won 97-94. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; ESPN analyst Sage Steele (left) talks with analyst Avery Johnson (right) courtside before the second half of a game game between the Indiana Pacers and the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. Miami won 97-94. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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The news of Bill Simmons’ ‘NBA Countdown’ exit was met with a variety of opinions. On one side, many were happy ESPN was looking elsewhere for on-camera talent as Simmons’ famed persona failed to translate across a visual medium. On the opposite site, many were excited because Simmons would be put in charge of a show revolving around his Grantland site.

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But what we didn’t know was why the exit occurred. Many assumed Simmons saw the opportunity to push the Grantland networks further by giving it a national television spot, but according to the New York Daily News, Simmons may have been the loser in what was described as a power struggle between he and NBA Countdown host Sage Steele.

From New York Daily News:

"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."

If this is true, ESPN made the right choice. With TNT’s ‘Inside the NBA’ often cited as the best pre-/post-game NBA show on television, the higher-ups will have to find a way to push forth quality and retaining Steele over Simmons is the way to go.

How exactly does ESPN compete with TNT without biting how ‘Inside the NBA’ is ran? By providing deep, insightful commentary of what’s happening. ‘Inside the NBA’ isn’t know for the basketball knowledge but for it’s comedy. If ‘NBA Countdown’ could improve in that area, they’ll grow. Simmons helps in that category, but, as mentioned in the first ‘graf, his personality fails to translate in a controlled setting.

ESPN has yet to reveal any details of the upcoming ‘Grantland network show or on who will be replacing Simmons on ‘NBA Countdown’

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