Skip Bayless has spoken out following his controversial response to the tragedy during last night’s Prime Time football.
And it seems Bayless’ co-host Shannon Sharpe has made his opinions on his comments known.
After his notable absence from Undisputed today.
This follows the Buffalo Bills player suffering cardiac arrest during a game.
So why is Skip Bayless under fire?
The dramatic and tragic scenes have prompted the latest in a long line of NFL controversies.
Read on to find out.
Now, the NFL is no stranger when it comes to injuries.
There’s a long list of NFL players who have sustained injuries as a result of the game.
And some times those injuries can cost the player not only the game…
But also, their career.
But last year, the NFL finally made a major change within the sport.
An NFL executive at the time said it was “a real opportunity to do something wholly different here,” The HuffPost reported.
The NFL reportedly replaced the old tradition of Pro Bowl …
And replaced it with weeklong skills competitions and a flag football game, the outlet reports.
The new event overtook the old tradition, which started back in 1951.
It will be renamed The Pro Bowl Games and will feature both AFC and NFC players.
The games will be held in 2023 in Las Vegas.
With the flag football game at Allegiant Stadium in February.
The league chose this new direction to showcase the NFL’s pool of talent.
After getting feedback from players, coaches, and general managers.
It was in January 1951 that the Pro Bowl debuted in Los Angeles…
And it remained in Los Angeles for twenty-one seasons until 1972 to 1980, when the game moved to different cities, the outlet reports.
But the Pro Bowl has been criticized over the years of the quality of play.
And players have been concerned about getting injured…
However, the situation could easily be resolved with a flag football game…
Which could have a significant impact.
By potentially increasing the competition in the game…
And also minimizing injuries to players.
But sadly, injuries are still plaguing the NFL.
And Damar Hamlin is the player most recently affected.
On Monday, Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin suffered a medical incident on the field.
He sadly suffered a cardiac arrest.
The event occurred during the game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
The BBC reports that Hamlin fell to the ground after colliding with an opponent.
Hamlin received treatment on the field for 30 minutes before being transferred to hospital.
The NFL then made the decision to suspend the game.
As the scene unfolded, support flooded in for Hamlin.
With many concerned about the young athlete.
Players gathered around Hamlin, with many visibly distressed or praying.
But some good news has emerged…
Jordon Rooney, Hamlin’s representative, shared an update on Twitter.
Where it was confirmed that Hamlin’s heartbeat was restored on the field before he was moved to hospital.
According to the outlet, Rooney wrote: “His vitals are back to normal and they have put him to sleep to put a breathing tube down his throat.
“They are currently running tests. We will provide updates as we have them.”
The league’s players’ association added: “We have been in touch with Bills and Bengals players and with the NFL.
“The only thing that matters at this moment is Damar’s health and well-being.”
During the incident, ESPN had to make some quick broadcast decisions.
While Hamlin received treatment, the network decided to cut in and out of break while players surrounded him.
Lisa Salters, the sideline reporter, the told crowds Hamlin was receiving CPR.
ESPN then made the decision to cut away from fieldside cameras.
They then cut to the studio, where Suzy Kolber was hosting with Adam Schefter and Booger McFarland.
“The emotion that we’re experiencing tonight is really hard to describe,” Kolber said. “We cannot and will not speculate. What we do know is he needed CPR, and that in itself is terrifying.”
Following the tragedy, the internet has been donating to Hamlin’s GoFundMe fundraising page for a toy drive charity.
The page was set up by Hamlin in order to give back to the community that raised him.
The page reads: “As I embark on my journey to the NFL, I will never forget where I come from and I am committed to using my platform to positively impact the community that raised me.
“I created The Chasing M’s Foundation as a vehicle that will allow me to deliver that impact, and the first program is the 2020 Community Toy Drive.
“This campaign gives you the opportunity to contribute to our first initiative and positively impact children who have been hardest hit by the pandemic. 100 percent of the funds raised will go toward the purchase of toys for kids in need.”
The campaign has smashed its $2,500 goal, and currently has over $3 million in donations!
Hamlin’s rep has also offered an update on his condition.
“‘I needed to provide some clarity – he was awake at that time – now he is sedated. The family is in good spirits, we’re just taking it minute by minute, hour by hour,” Jordon Rooney explained.
“His family is strong, supportive. Obviously they are worried. Damar is very close with his family.
“A lot of times you don’t view [athletes] as human, you know you watch them on tv. It’s important to remember this is a person.”
And now, commentator Skip Bayless has come under fire for a controversial tweet at the time of the incident.
“No doubt the NFL is considering postponing the rest of this game – but how?” he wrote at the time. “This late in the season, a game of this magnitude is crucial to the regular-season outcome … which suddenly seems so irrelevant.”
However, many thought this tweet was rather insensitive.
ESPN analyst Robert Griffin III replied, “Damar Hamlin’s LIFE is in the balance. Get your head out of your Ass.”
This led Bayless to apologize for his original tweet.
“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.”
But it seems as though Bayless’s co-host Shannon Sharpe is not yet prepared to forgive him.
As Sharpe was notably absent from today’s Undisputed, leaving Bayless to host alone.
“They’ve got Skip on the ropes,” tweeted one fan.
Where do you stand in this disagreement?
Either way, we’re wishing Hamlin a speedy recovery.
And our thoughts are with his loved ones at this horrific time.