Bill Simmons’ Insatiable Thirst for Watching Buck and Troy Aikman Broadcast Through Hatred

Tension Draws On-Air Attention

Buck and Aikman reportedly had a confrontation before a Monday Night Football broadcast last month. The disagreement was linked to their different contract situations with ESPN: Aikman is headed toward free agency, while Buck agreed to a long-term extension last May.

Since the reported incident, viewers have listened for signs that the dispute is affecting their broadcasts. On Friday, Simmons read a listener’s message saying the pair had become uncomfortable to watch amid the reported feud.

Simmons Wants Them Together

Simmons rejected the listener’s view during his podcast mailbag. He said, “I love it, I want them to stay together,” describing the dynamic as mutual hatred. He also mimicked the show’s opening, suggesting Aikman looked as though he had received terrible news through his earpiece. Simmons joked about a falling stock market or a wiped-out crypto account, then repeated that he did not want the broadcasters to split up.

ESPN’s Response Remains Unclear

The report raises the question of whether ESPN considers the tension useful attention or worries it could grow until the two can no longer work together. It also notes that sports fans are watching to see what happens.

The article says neither man has been arrested or committed an offense warranting dismissal, and wonders whether ESPN may welcome some added attention. It expects no in-season change, particularly with the network preparing for its first Super Bowl broadcast in three months, unless Aikman publicly criticizes Buck and the company beyond what has been reported.