When I wake up on September 11, 2020, I know it is going to be a hard day. I have shouldered the burdens of this year with resolute stubbornness. At times I feel like a diminutive Atlas bearing the weight of a blistered economy, a tragic pandemic, racial injustice, devastating wildfires, vicious politics, and the painful anniversary of 911.
I counter them all with perky, optimistic-by-nature energy. I support local businesses as best I can, and I am proud that my employees’ jobs are secure. I exercise social distancing, wash my hands incessantly, and wear a face mask at all recommended times. I read about implicit bias and align myself with minority causes. I contribute to political candidates whose platforms include combatting climate change. I respond to mean-spirited social media posts with patience and restraint and provide links to respected news sources. I pause, and remember, the events of 911 -- the lives lost and those battling illnesses caused by exposure to dust, smoke, and asbestos.
I think I am doing okay. Each day beckons with the promise of engagement, curiosity, and accomplishment. The comforting drape of habit envelopes me as I work out, shower, drive to the office, and strive for productivity. When I arrive home at the end of the day, I walk a dog and chat with my husband as we make dinner together. Our days always end with companionable bedtime rituals.
But today I am drawn to sports news for reasons I cannot fathom. Perhaps it is because the NFL season started last night, providing a consoling and familiar reminder of fall. I stumble upon a replay of Skip Bayless, a highly paid Fox Sports analyst, voicing an opinion about whether Dallas Cowboys quarterback, Dak Prescott, should have “gone public” about his experience with depression. In a nutshell, Bayless opined that admitting emotional vulnerability conflicted with the leadership image required of a professional football quarterback. He stated unequivocally that he had “no sympathy for [Dak Prescott] going public with depression.”
My outrage is boundless. Though Fox Sports quickly tried to distance itself from Skip’s commentary by issuing a statement it “did not agree with Skip’s comments,” it did not require an apology from Skip, nor was one proffered.
Dak Prescott’s brother died by suicide in April, and September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness month. I have read that the shroud of shame accompanying depression and anxiety is a primary reason why people do not seek help, often with tragic results. Divulging your emotional life takes courage. Skip Bayless’ remarks send the inexcusable macho message that real men suppress their feelings and that vulnerability conflicts with the auspices of authority.
Unlike the barrage of other social, economic, health, and politic ills thrown my way, I am helpless to combat this one. I cannot find a way to give feedback to Fox Sports. I search the FS1 website for a viewer portal but cannot find one. I plead with my Twitter-savvy children to send a tweet that the reputation of Bayless’ show, Undisputed, is now permanently mired in disrepute. I gnash my teeth and rail at the cowardice of Fox Sports who places ratings over the lives of vulnerable young people, some of whom will find accordance with the belief that silence equates to strength.
We will never know if Bayless’ statements sway the delicate balance between life and death for one person battling depression. But if so, I am guessing that Skip Bayless’ purported $5,000,000 per year salary will more than compensate him for any momentary twinges of remorse.
I am grateful I live in a country where people are free to state their opinions. But if those opinions feel dangerous or at odds with your personal beliefs, demonstrate it.
Note to Fox Sports viewers: Skip the Skip show – just bail out on the clueless Bayless.