Skip Bayless, a well-known sports commentator and television personality, has come under fire for an insensitive tweet regarding a tragic shooting incident in New York City that occurred on Monday. The incident resulted in the deaths of four people and left another critically injured when a gunman executed a targeted attack at 345 Park Avenue in Midtown Manhattan before turning the gun on himself.
In a tweet that many found inappropriate, Bayless expressed his relief that the shooter took the wrong bank of elevators, thereby avoiding the NFL offices that were supposedly the intended target. He tweeted, “Thank God the New York City shooter apparently took the wrong bank of elevators and didn’t make it to the NFL floors,” referencing the shooter’s grievance against the league for not warning players about the dangers of head injuries related to CTE, which he believed he was suffering from after playing high-school football.
The backlash was swift and severe, with many criticizing Bayless for seemingly downplaying the gravity of the situation. Commenters pointed out the insensitivity of implying gratitude for the wrong victims being targeted, calling it “asinine” and urging him to reconsider his thought process before posting online.
This incident is not the first time Bayless has faced criticism for his remarks, as he’s been scrutinized in the past for his takes on tragic events related to athletes, including the loss of Dak Prescott’s brother and the near-fatal collapse of Damar Hamlin during a football game. Despite a history of controversial statements, Bayless continues to make headlines for his provocative commentary.
The tragic event raises broader concerns about the growing violence directed at public figures and institutions, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of sensitivity in discussions surrounding such profound loss. Ultimately, while Bayless often stirs debate, this situation emphasizes the need for thoughtful discourse in the wake of tragedies that deeply affect communities.