Four years after an acrimonious departure, Bill Simmons will appear on ESPN Monday. Also: Fox has picked up former ESPN NFL analyst Charles Woodson; Chipper Jones will serve as an ESPN guest analyst; former Turner executive David Levy is set to become CEO of the Nets this week.
Simmons to make first ESPN appearance since departure
Former ESPN writer Bill Simmons will co-host Pardon the Interruption on Monday, marking his first appearance on the network since an acrimonious departure four years ago. Simmons, who worked for ESPN from 2001-15, was a regular guest host on PTI during his final years with the company. During his tenure, he helped develop ESPN’s 30 For 30 documentary series and served as editor-in-chief of the since-shuttered ESPN site Grantland. [ESPN PR/Twitter 9.16]
Fmr. ESPN analyst Woodson joins Fox
Former ESPN NFL analyst Charles Woodson has joined Fox Sports in a limited role on the network’s various pro and college football studio shows, making his debut over the weekend. The news, which was first reported by Sports Illustrated on Friday, was officially announced on Saturday. Woodson spent three seasons with ESPN, primarily serving as an analyst on Sunday NFL Countdown. [Fox Sports]
Fmr. Braves 3B Jones to serve as ESPN guest analyst
Former Atlanta Braves 3B Chipper Jones will serve as a guest analyst on ESPN’s Phillies-Braves game Wednesday night, Sports Business Daily reported Monday. Jones will work alongside play-by-play voice Jon Sciambi and analyst Rick Sutcliffe. Jones is the second ex-player to serve as a guest on ESPN this season; Ken Griffey Jr. worked a Yankees-Mariners game on the network last month. [SBD 9.16]
Fmr. Turner exec Levy will be hired by Nets this week
Former Turner Broadcasting CEO David Levy will be officially hired as CEO of the Brooklyn Nets this week, ESPN.com reported Monday. The news comes a month after ESPN reported that he was a serious contender for the position. Levy left Turner earlier this year due to restructuring by new corporate owner AT&T. He had been Turner Broadcasting CEO since 2013 and previously ran Turner Sports from 2003-13. [ESPN.com 9.16]
