That's my problem with the company. They have the potential and the capital to do so many things well yet, they just look at data and churn out crap like "First Take." Sportscenter used to be great, it's not anymore it's just engrained into the fabric of cable television and it's just on in the background for many people. It's not good work anymore.

Much of the productions they do now are just not well done, Window dressing... then you see the 30 for 30's and go... oh, yeah I remember when ESPN used to do really good stuff.


The majority of their talking head shows are unwatchable now, people playing caricatures of themselves, then they underplay many of the better talents they have for people who have built their careers on nonsense.

There are a lot of super talented people at that company behind the scenes, and it's just wasted.

They were the only option for so long they took the market share and then stopped caring except for printing money.

Sadly this is true.

I miss when they had World Class Championship Wrestling reruns.

30 for 30 aside, I never watch ESPN anymore. The only live sports they ever have that I watch are the occasional Red Sox Sunday night game and US soccer.

Same here, minus the soccer part. I have the most recent 30 for 30 sitting on my DVR, the one about El Duque and his brother.

the very occasional live sports event.

Yes, meaning they know they are the most popular sporting network out there. But they are very aware where they stand in comparison to upcoming news outlets (like Deadspin) with the new generations. They don't believe they'll ever be overtaken, but they're aware. They're skating by on the fact they've been #1 for the past 30 years.. but if not careful, it won't last

Sorry, I see what you're saying, just don't agree that a 30 year monopoly is "skating by".

Is Bill Simmons trying to get fired?

He be trolling. He also makes a good point.

Most of the 30 for 30s are great. Run Ricky Run is my fave. That dude in college was a grizzly bear. Saw him play live the year he won the Heisman. Could have been another Jim Brown if he wanted to be.

The SMU one is probably my favorite, after 4 Days in October of course.

His and the Clarett one show how certain ideas are ahead of their time. They were treated like shit at the time, but the thought that you should be able to start and quit playing in the NFL whenever you're ready are definitely gaining some major traction now. Clarett's was very eye opening in particular since I was one of the many people that villainized him at the time.

4 Days In October, subject matter aside, was pretty shitty.

Lenny Clarke and Bill Simmons kind of ruined it.

Yeah, but the subject matter trumps quality.

yes. it should have been better than it was, and getting rid of those segments needed to be the first step.

smu one is a favorite as well.

i think it's time to change this thread title to LoathedBerman

he's got lenny eyes

lenny's blacc?

yeah