In a move he compares –and this isn’t hyperbole- to Michael Jordan’s return to the Bulls in 1995, Bill “The Sports Guy” Simmons has left “Jimmy Kimmel Live” and re-upped with ESPN.
Simmons, in his latest column, says he “missed writing my column and wanted the chance to pursue some additional opportunities with ESPN.” Not sure what those are, and he’s not talking yet, but if I had my druthers I’d love to see PTI guest appearances and maybe a "SportsCenter" segment, as well the inevitable Sports Guy book- which could either be a column collection or a “Sports Guy’s Guide To Life”-type thing, and I bet either would be huge.
I’ve got a feeling we’re right around the corner from the breakout of the Sports Guy brand, and I for one can’t wait. He was never a right fit for Kimmel’s show, primarily because his comic sensibility is funny, while Kimmel’s is not. With its lone positive point now removed, expect Kimmel’s show to die sooner rather than later, probably as soon as Conan O’Brien or Jon Stewart becomes available to ABC.
So how did Kimmel react to Simmons’ departure? Why, he almost died on the air the other night!
Posted by Stephen Silver at May 14, 2004 12:50 PM