Former NBA player, Stephen Jackson called out ESPN analyst Skip Bayless for an insensitive tweet.
The incident began when Bayless tweeted about Buffalo Bills’ safety Damar Hamlin, who collapsed after a tackle during a game on January 2 against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Shortly after, Bayless tweeted, “No doubt the NFL is considering postponing the rest of this game – but how? This late in the season, a game of this magnitude is crucial to the regular-season outcome … which suddenly seems so irrelevant.”
No doubt the NFL is considering postponing the rest of this game – but how? This late in the season, a game of this magnitude is crucial to the regular-season outcome … which suddenly seems so irrelevant.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) January 3, 2023
Jackson took offense to the tweet and responded with a threat to physically confront Bayless.
He wrote, “Ima slap the shit outta @RealSkipBayless u too bold. All respect gone.”
Ima slap the shit outta @RealSkipBayless u too bold. All respect gone.
— Stephen Jackson (Stak5) (@DaTrillStak5) January 3, 2023
Jackson followed up the threat with another tweet, “We talking about a life. I maybe sensitive from losing my lil bro and lil sis or I may just have a heart. Smdh.”
We talking about a life. I maybe sensitive from losing my lil bro and lil sis or I may just have a heart. Smdh.
— Stephen Jackson (Stak5) (@DaTrillStak5) January 3, 2023
Related Story: Russell Westbrook’s Wife Goes Off On Skip Bayless, He Responds
Many people have come to Jackson’s defense, agreeing that Bayless’ tweet was inappropriate.
Jacksonville Jaguars player Logan Cooke replied to Bayless’ tweet saying, “This is the most inconsiderate thing you could have said. We are human beings not just numbers. You’ve obviously never stepped foot in a locker room or been a part of a family like this. We are a band of brothers! Get over yourself man… Praying hard for Damar and his family!”
This is the most inconsiderate thing you could have said. We are human beings not just numbers. You’ve obviously never stepped foot in a locker room or been apart of a family like this. We are a band of brothers! Get over yourself man… Praying hard for Damar and his family!
— Logan Cooke (@LoganCooke2) January 3, 2023
Fellow ESPN sports analyst Kendrick Perkins wrote, “You’re a sick individual. Real Talk.”
You’re a sick individual. Real Talk.
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) January 3, 2023
In a subsequent tweet, Bayless attempted to clear up his statement by writing, “Nothing is more important than that young man’s health. That was the point of my last tweet. I’m sorry if that was misunderstood, but his health is all that matters. Again, everything else is irrelevant. I prayed for him & will continue to.”
Nothing is more important than that young man’s health. That was the point of my last tweet. I’m sorry if that was misunderstood but his health is all that matters. Again, everything else is irrelevant. I prayed for him & will continue to.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) January 3, 2023
As previously reported by Newsonyx, the 24-year-old was immediately transported off the field and to the hospital after the incident and is currently in critical condition.
We’re still praying for Hamlin’s recovery while hoping Bayless gets the slap he deserves.
