Dak Prescott, Others Respond To Skip Bayless
Skip Bayless sparked controversy on Thursday when he took issue with Dak Prescott’s admission that he suffered from depression.
“I’m going to ask our audience to feel free to condemn me if you choose as cold-blooded and insensitive on this issue. I have deep compassion for clinical depression,” Bayless said on Undisputed.
“But when it comes to quarterback of an NFL team, it’s the ultimate leadership position in sports. You’re commanding a lot of young men … and some older men. They’re all looking at you to be their CEO. Because of all that, I don’t have sympathy for him going public with ‘I got depressed.
“I suffered depression early in COVID to the point that I couldn’t even go work out.’ Look, he’s the quarterback of America’s Team.”
Naturally, that opinion was not met with favorably. As Bayless’ comments spread like wildfire, some began calling for his job.
Word of Bayless’ monologue even got back to Prescott.
While Prescott ultimately did not delve into the specifics of what should or should not happen to Bayless, he did address the larger point the Fox Sports host had made.
“Being a real leader is about being genuine and being real,” Prescott said.
“As I said, if I wouldn’t have talked about those things to the people I did, I wouldn’t have realized my friends and a lot more people go through them. And they are as common as they are.
“I don’t think for one second — leaders or not — I don’t care how big a person you are, if you are not mentally healthy and you are not thinking the right way, then you are not going to be able to lead people the right way,” he continued.
“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. That goes a long way when you are a leader and your voice is being heard by so many and you can inspire.”
Tad Prescott, Dak’s brother, came out and offered his two cents on Thursday afternoon.
Thank you so much to so many for your continued support of @dak and myself. I have no words on the comments made by @RealSkipBayless I don’t know the man but the fact so many athletes have publicly shared their dislike for him says it all 🖕🏾@RealSkipBayless & @undisputed
— Tad Prescott (@86Prescott) September 10, 2020
Others followed suit.
@Dak Thank you for opening up on your past mental health issues. That’s being a real leader. Mental health issues is a real problem than some men don’t take serious. Don’t let @RealSkipBayless stop you all from speaking up.
— Kavon Frazier (@Kay_BlackSimba) September 10, 2020
I’ve had to the opportunity to work with @RealSkipBayless last year and off the Camera he was really cool and down to earth…but he has LOST all my respect with that HORRIBLE DISRESPECTFUL Take about Dak Prescott!!! SMH
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) September 10, 2020
Shame on @RealSkipBayless. Are you kidding me? This is why we have a stigma against mental health, suicide, and depression.@dak being vulnerable is showing unbelievable strength and leadership. He’s impacting so many lives. Dak’s a true leader for speaking about his real emotions
— Solomon Thomas (@SollyThomas90) September 10, 2020
Given the backlash to his commentary, it will be interested to see how Bayless ultimately responds.
For better or worse, Friday’s episode of Undisputed is going to be an absolute must-watch.
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