Chester R. Simmons Co Creator of ESPN Has Died...RIP & Thank YOU!

[Brian Damage]

A pioneer of sports broadcasting who helped create the ESPN network died Thursday in Atlanta. Chester R. Simmons, who died of natural causes, was 81.

"Chet" Simmons' career began in 1957 with Sports Programs, Inc., which later became ABC Sports. While at ABC, Simmons helped create the "Wide World of Sports." He later became president of NBC Sports and then ESPN, according to Josh Krulewitz with ESPN.

Simmons joined ESPN as president and chief operating officer on July 31, 1979, just prior to the network’s launch September 7. Back then Simmons said: “There’s no question that cable television sports is at the same stage right now that network sports was 15 or 20 years ago. I’ve lived through the evolution of sports on television, and what lies ahead for cable television is incalculable at this point."

About a month after ESPN launched, Simmons hired current anchor Chris Berman.

In 1982, Simmons left ESPN and joined the USFL as the league’s founding Commissioner, serving until January 1985. Simmons split time between Savannah and Atlanta since 1986

In 2005, Simmons received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 26th annual Sports Emmy Awards.

Simmons is survived Harriet, his wife of 53 years, four grown children and nine grandchildren. Gamble Funeral Service, Inc., in Savannah is in charge of funeral arrangements.

http://www.ajc.com/news/former-espn-...es-404868.html