Former Los Angeles Times columnist T.J. Simers passes away. Plus: Details released about new Chicago RSN; Dwyane Wade will call USA basketball games for NBC during the Paris Olympics; the NFL’s motion to dismiss Jim Trotter‘s lawsuit fails.
T.J. Simers passes away
Former Los Angeles Times sports columnist T.J. Simers has passed away due to complications from a brain tumor, Lance Pugmire of Boxing Scene reported Sunday. Simers worked for the Los Angeles Times from 1990 until 2013, when he was let go after suffering a minor stroke. He later sued the newspaper for age and health discrimination, ultimately winning a $15.4m judgment. Following his long run at the Times, Simers worked for the Orange County Register. In 2000, Simers was named California Sportswriter of the Year by the NSMA.
Outside of writing, Simers had a unique — albeit short-lived — television career, appearing on the premier episode of ESPN’s Around The Horn in 2002, and making subsequent appearances until May 2003. His run on the program ended after telling Nick Canepa of the San Diego Union-Tribune in 2003, “I hate that show. But I hear the cash register going off in my head when I do it.” After seeing the quote, ESPN executive Mark Shapiro made the decision to end Simers’ run. (Pugmire, 6.2)
New Chicago RSN set to launch this fall
The name and details of Chicago’s new RSN outfit were announced via embargoed press release Monday, and reported by Sportico. The channel will be named Chicago Sports Network (CHSN) and will replace NBC Sports Chicago for broadcasts of the Bulls, Blackhawks, and White Sox this October. As was reported last month, the network will be a joint venture between the franchises and Standard Media Group, a Nashville-based media company that owns a small number of local affiliates throughout the country. Jason Coyle, former CEO of Stadium — the digital sports network purchased by Bulls and White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf last year — will serve as CEO for CHSN. The network will launch with broadcasts of Blackhawks and Bulls preseason games this fall. (Sportico, 6.3)
Dwyane Wade to call Olympic basketball for NBC
NBC announced Wednesday that Dwyane Wade will team up with play-by-play announcer Noah Eagle to call USA Basketball games at the upcoming Paris Olympics. Wade has not worked for a television network in an official capacity since leaving TNT’s NBA coverage in 2022 after three years with the network. However, the Hall of Famer has not left media entirely as he launched his own podcast earlier this year. The announcement has some speculating that Wade could be a front-runner for an analyst job at NBC should the network secure NBA rights.
NBC also announced Wednesday that LaChina Robinson will join Eagle to call USA Women’s Basketball this summer in Paris. Robinson has served as an analyst on ESPN since 2009, contributing to the network’s WNBA and women’s college basketball coverage. Additionally, NBC tapped Kerith Burke and Zora Stephenson to serve as sideline reporters throughout the Olympic basketball tournaments. (NBC, 5.29)
NFL’s motion to dismiss Trotter lawsuit fails
Former NFL Media reporter Jim Trotter’s retaliation lawsuit against the league survived a motion to dismiss by the NFL on Wednesday. Per Sportico, five of his six claims were dismissed by the court, though the claim that Trotter was wrongfully targeted as a result of remarks he made about discrimination and lack of diversity at NFL Media will proceed to trial. Now, key figures like NFL commissioner Roger Goodell will likely testify under oath. The lawsuit was filed last year after Trotter was involved in multiple highly-public incidents with Goodell over what he saw as discriminatory practices within the league’s media arm. Trotter now works as a national columnist for The Athletic. (Sportico, 5.30)
