From New York Times media reporter Richard Sandomir, ESPN mainstay and Grantland founder Bill Simmons is on his way out:


Here is the statement from John Skipper:

“I decided today that we are not going to renew Bill Simmons’ contract. We have been in negotiations and it was clear it was time to move on. ESPN’s relationship with Bill has been mutually beneficial - he has produced great content for us for many years and ESPN has provided him many new opportunities to spread his wings. We wish Bill continued success as he plans his next chapter. ESPN remains committed to Grantland and we have a strong team in place.”


That statement is more than a little salty. Simmons’s contract is up at the end of September, and reports of negotiations over the last year (both public and private) have hinted the two sides are far apart. Those negotiations are apparently over.

And here’s the full Times story. It’s told entirely from ESPN’s point of view, and contains oh so much shade: