Fox Sports personality Skip Bayless sparked controversy on Thursday for comments he made about Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott.
What We Know:
- Bayless cohosts Undisputed on FS1 with Shannon Sharpe. On Thursday’s show, the two discussed Prescott opening up about his battle with depression following his brother Jace’s death by suicide this spring. Bayless prefaced his comments by saying that he was going to be “coldblooded and insensitive,” and said that he had no sympathy for Prescott and implied that sharing these issues was a weakness and reflected poorly of his leadership.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHpv3ufxNx8&feature=emb_logo
- Fox Sports condemned Bayless’ comments in a statement: “We do not agree with Skip Bayless’ opinion on Undisputed this morning. We have addressed the significance of this matter with Skip and how his insensitive comments were received by people internally at Fox Sports and our audience.” The statement went on to praise Prescott for his courage in sharing his mental health struggles.
- Prescott and his brother Tad responded by continuing to break down the stigma surrounding mental health. “Being a leader is about being genuine and being real . . . Before I even lead I have to make sure my mind is in the right place to do that and lead people to where they want to be. I think that is important – to be vulnerable, to be genuine and to be transparent,” Prescott said.
- Bayless faced more backlash on social media from sports fans and other media personalities. He has made a career as a talking head by saying outrageous and contrarian takes for publicity, but many thought his comments on Thursday were reckless and unacceptable. People were especially enraged by these comments because Thursday was World Suicide Prevention Day.
Skip needs to apologize.
Dak had the courage to share he had Depression because of COVID + his brother’s suicide and you basically say you’re a QB on “America’s Team” so you can’t be sad? He’s a human.
It’s literally World Suicide Prevention Day do better @RealSkipBayless
— Stephen A. Smith Burner “Parody” (@TheSASBurner) September 10, 2020
Dak Prescott's honesty about battling depression after his brother's death will not only help countless people; it makes him a *stronger* leader, because of his authenticity and vulnerability.
To say otherwise is a garbage opinion at best, and a dangerous one at worst.
— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) September 10, 2020
Anyone struggling with thoughts of suicide can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
