ESPN has released a statement saying that it has suspended publication of the sports and pop culture website Grantland, effective immediately.
The statement reads in part:
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.
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.
Apparently, the announcement is coming as a surprise to Grantland employees.
Well that's the first time I've ever found out I was laid off via Twitter
— Michael Baumann (@MichaelBaumann) October 30, 2015
The move comes just five months after ESPN parted ways with Grantland founder Bill Simmons, and hired Chris Connelly as his replacement as editor-in-chief. At this time, there are no other details regarding why ESPN decided to shut down Grantland, but we will update you when more information becomes available.
(Via ESPN)