Factory Lines: Bill Simmons, ESPN, Cleveland Indians, Yan Gomes, Michael Brantley, Cleveland Browns, Joe Haden, Josh Gordon’s Tattoo

Sep 19, 2014; New York, NY, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell addresses the media at a press conference at New York Hilton . Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports

The Sports Guy has been sidelined and ESPN management delivered the hit when it suspended Bill Simmons for three weeks for calling NFL Commisioner Roger Goodell “a liar,” while sprinkling in some f-bombs for how the Commish handled the Ray Rice domestic violence matter during a recent BS Report podcast (which has since been removed).

The personal attack on Goodell, in addition to Simmons daring his bosses to suspended him sealed his fate. That means no Grantland, no Twitter, no Podcast. Simmons has been gagged, and it will be interesting to see if he  can obey ESPN law, because blasting 140 characters on Twitter is sometimes too irresistible.

Sports Illustrated media writer Richard Deitsch wrote a behind-the-scene column on the matter, confirming there are some at ESPN happy to see Simmons, a major name within the company, suspended. Others

Three weeks is a long time not to work, but Deitsch pointed out that ESPN is trying to get a grip on its employees who cross the line after Stephen A. Smiths comments on domestic abuse in July.

"“…The network took various hits externally for how it handled Stephen A. Smith’s commentsabout domestic violence in July. Smith, when in the midst of discussing the NFL’s adjudication of Ray Rice on the unctuous First Take program, suggested that women should examine their role in provoking domestic violence incidents. He was ultimately suspended for a week…”"

Fox Sports 1 anchor Jay Onrait couldn’t pass up the opportunity to blast a rival network while its down.

Nothing from NBC Sports on the topic…at least not yet.

Cleveland Indians

The pressure must be off, because the Indians finally started hitting. Technically, they’re still alive in the Wild Card chase, but the Priest is giving last rights. The Tribe has the day off, but trail both the A’s and Royals by 3 1/2 games in the Wild Card standings.

Both clubs play tonight and a win by either team would eliminate the Indians for good. The win marked the end of the Tribe’s 30 games in 30 days. The club gave a valiant effort, going 17-13 in that stretch, but folded when the heat got cranked up.

• If Yan Gomes keeps it up, his acquisition could go down as one of the biggest steals in Indians history. The Yanimal went yard again last night, with homer of the three-run variety leaving his bat. Remember, the Tribe got Gomes AND Mike Aviles for Esmil Rogers.

Gomes is one of the team’s few power threats, batting.282 with 21 homers and 74 RBI.

• Michael Brantley‘s march toward 200 hits continued with Dr. Smooth collecting three base knocks last night. He now as 199, and is batting .329 with 20 homers, two triples, 45 doubles, 97 RBI, 94 runs and 23 steals.

Cleveland Browns

Josh Gordon wants you to know that he got a new tattoo, as posted to Instagram last night, via @WFNYSCott

Got to admit, this tattoo has some potential. Imagine Gordon scoring, flexing and point right at the shield. Body art could bring a revival to TD celebrations, until the NFL suspends tattoos, too.

• Wednesday’s practice showed Isaiah Crowell may have passed Terrance West on the depth chart, according to NFL.com’s Chris Wesseling.

"“Crowell graduated to first-team reps in the media-access portion of practice, with West handling the second-team work.It’s hardly a surprise that Crowell is poised for an increased workload. He has outplayed West through three games, finding the end zone three times while averaging a gaudy 5.2 yards per carry.”"

Ben Tate is expected to return as a starter when he returns from a sprained knee.

• Joe Haden is taking a lot of heat for his mediocre play over the first three weeks, and he knows he’s got to be better, via ESPN Cleveland.