Bayless’ parents were alcoholic so he had to live at his grandmother’s house where he met Katie Bell Henderson from Chicago.
Skip Bayless (Via Open Source/Screengrab)
There’s a general perception around Skip Bayless that the veteran sports analyst bases his judgment on skin color. It gained speed after the unceremonious exit of Shannon Sharpe from Undisputed after the NBA Finals in 2023.
However, those who have worked with Bayless, predominantly from the African American community, have shown gratitude over the years for his contribution to more inclusivity in sports.
Last October, Bayless finally opened up about his upbringing, which shaped him into the person he is today. The 72-year-old grew up in Oklahoma during the Civil Rights era. Both his mother and father were alcoholics, and as a result, he went to live with his grandmother.
Because of the circumstances, I often got left at my grandmother’s. My grandmother didn’t have a whole lot of money. She traveled for her work. She did have—I guess you would call it a housekeeper—who was actually more of a houserunner. Her name was Katie Bell Henderson.Bayless said on his podcast, The Skip Bayless Show, in October 2023
Katie Bell was from the south side of Chicago with roots in Alabama.
She was tough. As sweet as she was tough, but she was tough. I got to know Katie Bell at ages 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7. Katie Bell was wiser than any human I have ever known. Katie Bell Henderson was far, [far] more of a mother to me than my mother ever was.Bayless said
Skip Bayless mentioned Katie Bell Henderson’s influence on his life
For more than three decades, Skip Bayless has been part of multiple networks, imparting his knowledge of various sports. Shows like First Take on ESPN and Undisputed on FOX became global names.
Skip Bayless (Image via Open Source/X)
I looked up to that woman more than I have anyone in my life. Ever, ever, ever. She saved me from going bad. Katie Bell Henderson taught me right from wrong. She taught me about the evils of alcohol. She saved me.Bayless added
This monologue was in the aftermath of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders showing his appreciation for Bayless. On his final day at FOX, Shannon Sharpe revealed why he was part of Undisputed because of Bayless.
I’m here because of you. You’ve allowed me to share the stage with you. You’ve allowed me to share the platform. You’ve helped me grow more than you ever knew.Sharpe said, shedding a few tears
Skip’s former ESPN colleague, Stephen A. Smith, has been on record thanking Bayless for the growth of the Black community in sports media. During an episode of the Stephen A. Smith Show, he agreed with Sharpe.
I can relate because I am sitting here right now with this podcast feeding off my success and what I’ve been fortunate and blessed enough to achieve at ESPN. And knowing that it starts with Skip Bayless, there’s a whole bunch of brothers and sisters—[Black people]—that Skip Bayless has helped out and looked out for. And I know people try to question his intent. I’m highlighting his results.
Smith said
Despite opening up about his past and views on social issues, it will be hard to erase the negative picture of Skip Bayless. Now that Undisputed is facing low viewership, social media will be even more critical of him.
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