ESPN First Take co-host Skip Bayless has a history of delivering controversial statements and opinions to generate buzz and elicit reactions from viewers.
He recently called Johnny Manziel an “alcoholic” and a “liar.” It was quite ironic when you think about it—being that Bayless once lied about his high school basketball career.
But that’s not the only thing he has fabricated, apparently.
Bayless once wrote a book—Hell-Bent: The Crazy Truth About the “Win or Else” Dallas Cowboys—which suggested that former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman is gay. But Aikman is saying that’s a complete fabrication.
He weighed in about the accusation and also ripped Bayless for making unsubstantiated claims to garner attention, in a recent interview with Sports Illustrated’s Richard Deitsch.
“I’m upset about it because it was made up and there was nothing accurate about anything that was insinuated. And he did it, as he does everything, just for attention. I am probably more upset because I probably should have responded to it at the time it was going on. The advice to me was “Hey, just don’t address it. It’s not worth it. It doesn’t make any sense. It’s ridiculous. All it’s going to do is have people continue to talk about his book.” So I didn’t.”
Aikman continued:
“But I probably could have responded differently and maybe that would have changed things. Maybe it wouldn’t have. But it is ridiculous, and, yeah, it bothers me. If that is a lifestyle people choose, so be it. It doesn’t affect me one way or another. But it is not my lifestyle.”
Aikman seemed pretty upset about Bayless’ suggestion. And you can’t blame him. Bayless and fellow ESPNer Colin Cowherd have been known to go on rants that seem more like character assassinations—rather than honest “takes.” At some point, they should be held accountable for making false claims and coming up with attention-grabbing narratives.