Skip Bayless said he wanted to execute Cowboys players during collapse

Bayless vents on First Take

Bayless returned to First Take on Thursday for a monthly appearance with Stephen A. Smith. Discussing the Cowboys’ defeat by the Arizona Cardinals, he said he wanted several players executed during the game.

Bayless also said the team had become a national laughingstock. His remarks went beyond his usual routine of throwing a jersey in the trash, according to the report.

Williams used the same term

Bayless connected his comments to defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, who had discussed the need to execute during a five-minute media interview. Bayless said Williams used the word 32 times.

Before the Cowboys’ matchup with the Indianapolis Colts, Williams said the team needed to execute after struggling throughout the season. He described the team as playing well for three quarters against Arizona, then failing to execute in the final quarter.

Williams criticizes the joke

Williams objected to Bayless’s remark in a post on X, calling it “extremely crazy” to say defensive players should be executed. He urged Bayless to do better. The article says Bayless was speaking facetiously, but reports that Williams did not appreciate the joke. It also argues that similar remarks by another media figure might bring more backlash, calls for an apology or demands for a job loss.

Bayless’s history of remarks

The story notes that Bayless has continued his career despite a series of controversial comments. Those have included remarks about Troy Aikman, Dak Prescott, Damar Hamlin, Mike McCarthy and LeBron James.

It suggests fans may not take Bayless seriously or may expect him to say unexpected things. The article also mentions Michael Irvin’s criticism of the Cowboys’ coaching after the Cardinals game.