off the record

Globe Columnist Charles Pierce Joins Grantland

In the H.R. equivalent of lining up to high-five a rival team after a foul-filled game, Bill Simmons has hired Charles P. Pierce, most recently of The Boston Globe, to write a column for Grantland, despite the pair’s longstanding feud.

It began in November 2009, when Mr. Pierce reviewed Mr. Simmons’s book, The Book of Basketball, on Deadspin. He took the opportunity to knock the messianic sportswriter down a notch.

“He did not reinvent sportswriting,” Mr. Pierce wrote, while allowing that Mr. Simmons was “an amusing writer who saw the vast potential of the Internet before just about anyone not named Gates or Gore.” Read More

Francowatch

Franco in Esquire

Noted graduate student James Franco has published a short story in Esquire. Titled “Just Before the Black,” it explores the ever-fertile territory of vaguely seedy ennui, and the possibilities for escape through fantasy, drugs and death.

Those familiar with Franco’s home turf (the Bay Area) will feel the zing of recognition: “the Palo Read More