ESPN Statement Regarding Grantland

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.

Despite this change, the legacy of smart long-form sports story-telling and innovative short form video content will continue, finding a home on many of our other ESPN platforms.

The Walt Disney Company and the National Cable Television Cooperative Announce Robust Long-Term Distribution Agreement

The National Cable Television Cooperative (NCTC) and The Walt Disney Company today announced a comprehensive multi-year distribution agreement to deliver Disney's robust lineup of top quality sports, news and entertainment content to participating NCTC members' customers across TVs, computers, smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles and connected devices. The cable co-op serves nearly 1,000 member companies across the United States.

"NCTC is pleased to again offer our members access to top-tier sports and family channels under our new agreement with Disney & ESPN Networks Group. The addition of the SEC Network, Longhorn Network and digital platform rights helps strengthen the long-term partnership and enhances the value the agreement brings to members," commented Judy Meyka, Executive Vice President of Programming, NCTC.

Watch 'General Hospital' Star Maurice Benard on 'First Take' with Stephen A. Smith

General Hospital star Maurice Benard was a guest on Monday's episode of First Take on ESPN, a surprise for co-host Stephen A. Smith, who is a huge fan of the soap. Watch the segment below: