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In a fiery opening monologue at the 2023 ESPYs, former NFL Pro-Bowl Punter and ESPN personality, Pat McAfee, took aim at FS1’s controversial host, Skip Bayless, delivering a scathing roast that left the audience in stitches.
As McAfee prepared to introduce and honor Damar Hamlin, a player who made a remarkable recovery from cardiac arrest during a Bengals game in the 2022 season, he emphasized the significance of Hamlin’s journey, calling it “one of the most inspirational things that has ever happened in human history.”
However, McAfee didn’t shy away from addressing the distasteful actions of Skip Bayless during that fateful night.
Referring to Bayless’s ill-advised tweet about Hamlin, McAfee lightheartedly repeated the insensitive remark and pointed out that the tweet was still available for everyone to see.
‘Get that dead body off the field. We got playoff implications on the line!’” McAfee joked, noting that the tweet is still up. Then said “#DeleteTheTweetSkip”
Damar Hamlin is an ABSOLUTE DAWG..
That tweet is still up Skip 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/l0DWmlC5j4
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) July 13, 2023
Recalling Bayless’s tweet, which garnered nationwide outrage, McAfee highlighted the shocking nature of the comment made while Hamlin’s life hung in the balance.
Bayless had wondered aloud how the NFL would handle the game between the Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals, all while Hamlin fought for his life.
The tweet read, “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
Bayless’s insensitivity even led to a rift between him and his then-co-host Shannon Sharpe on the show “Undisputed.” Sharpe expressed his disapproval by refusing to report to work the following day, and during a live TV segment, he implored Bayless to remove the post. Bayless refused.
Sharpe eventually left “Undisputed” and Bayless reportedly has such a hard time replacing him that he’s taken a 2-month hiatus.
While praising Hamlin’s resilience, McAfee didn’t shy away from criticizing Bayless’s actions, deeming the tweet “insensitive.”
McAfee’s bold takedown of Bayless during his ESPYs monologue showcased his wit and ability to bring attention to important issues while entertaining the audience.