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ESPN Pulls Plug on Popular Feature

Oct 30, 2015  •  Post A Comment

ESPN is shutting down a popular feature. The sports broadcaster released a statement today announcing that it is “suspending the publication” of the sports and pop culture blog Grantland.

Grantland was the brainchild of former ESPN contributor Bill Simmons, who oversaw the site until May of this year, when ESPN severed ties with him following a series of controversies and conflicts with the network. ESPN continued to operate Grantland after Simmons’ departure.

In a statement issued today, ESPN said: “Effective immediately we are suspending the publication of Grantland. After careful consideration, we have decided to direct our time and energy going forward to projects that we believe will have a broader and more significant impact across our enterprise.”

The statement adds:

“Grantland distinguished itself with quality writing, smart ideas, original thinking and fun. We are grateful to those who made it so. Bill Simmons was passionately committed to the site and proved to be an outstanding editor with a real eye for talent. Thanks to all the other writers, editors and staff who worked very hard to create content with an identifiable sensibility and consistent intelligence and quality. We also extend our thanks to Chris Connelly who stepped in to help us maintain the site these past five months as he returns to his prior role.

“Despite this change, the legacy of smart long-form sports story-telling and innovative short form video content will continue, finding a home on many of our other ESPN platforms.”

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