G/O Media has sold off left-leaning sports platform Deadspin to Lineup Publishing, leading to the dismissal of the entire editorial team, including Carron J. Phillips, who was controversially involved in defaming a young Chiefs fan in 2023. The announcement was made by G/O Media CEO Jim Spanfeller on Monday.
Deadspin gained negative notoriety when they falsely accused a young Chiefs fan of donning blackface when, in reality, the child was showing team spirit by wearing the Chiefs’ team colors of red and black.
Lineup Publishing initiated discussions about the purchase, planning to take a divergent approach to Deadspin’s sports coverage while being respectful towards its unique voice.
“The decision to sell was influenced by several key factors including the buyer’s editorial strategy, the challenging competition in sports journalism, and a valuation that offered a considerable profit from our initial buying price,” stated Spanfeller in a memo.
This transaction is not the first asset divestiture made by G/O Media in its recent attempt to enhance returns for investors. The company underwent significant restructuring in November last year, and later sold another of its holdings, Jezebel, to Paste Magazine. It also offloaded Lifehacker to Ziff Davis last March, resulting in 13 staff members losing their jobs in June.
In February, Raul and Shannon Armenta, the parents of the young Chiefs fan featured in Deadspin’s ‘blackface’ article, sued the publication. Some have speculated the lawsuit was in part responsible for the sale.
Deadspin is the latest in a litany of once-popular news websites that have ceased operations. In January, Sports Illustrated laid off its entire staff. Two weeks ago it was announced that Vice Media intended to cease publishing on Vice.com and laid off hundreds of employees.
show lessThis is the face that finally dug the grave for @Deadspin. pic.twitter.com/tN42Xe2W0k
— Bobby Burack (@burackbobby_) March 11, 2024