HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 3: Skip Bayless on Fox Sports "Skip & Shannon: Undisputed" at Discovery Green on February 3, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Frank Micelotta/Fox/PictureGroup) *** Please Use Credit from Credit Field ***
Super Bowl LI – Fox Sports “Skip & Shannon: Undisputed”
(New York, NY) – Sports talker Skip Bayless says he doesn’t think Aaron Rodgers is willing to answer the “tough” questions. In fact, he seems to believe Rodgers will only sit for “softball” interviews. Bayless made the comments during his “Undisputed” show on Fox Sports.
Hosting alongside rapper Lil Wayne, the discussion turned to who Bayless would consider to be his “dream guest.” When the response was NBA legend Lebron James, Wayne was surprised – given he would choose either the late Kobe Bryant, or the Jets’ QB Rodgers.
As to why Bayless wouldn’t opt for Rodgers, Bayless said, “I think he’d be afraid. He wants softball questions.” And apparently Bayless was referring to Rodgers’ normal spot on “The Pat McAfee Show,” in which the outspoken and currently rehabbing signal caller opines on things like psychedelic drugs, COVID vaccines, and of course football.
Of course, reports from earlier this week indicate Rodgers has a financial incentive to be loquacious alongside McAfee. The New York Post’s Andrew Marchand reports Rodgers has made more than a million dollars in compensation for joining McAfee – who pays Rodgers directly out of his show’s production budget. Alabama head football coach Nick Saban apparently enjoys a similar financial relationship with the show. In signing a five-year, $85 million contract to air his show on ESPN, McAfee secured the money needed for similar guest spots.
McAfee addressed that reporting on Thursday of this week: “My company went from a valuation of [$2 million to $5 million] to a company valued over $500 million in just a few years. Everybody who helped us get to this point has reaped the benefits of it, that’s how business is supposed to work. To be transparent, Aaron deserves much more than what he’s gotten for the time and effort he has put into ‘Aaron Rodgers’ Tuesdays.’” Rodgers time on McAfee’s show dates back to prior when the ESPN deal came into place, as he’s been making appearances since 2020.
Of course, it’s likely not just payment (or lack thereof) that could keep Rodgers from wanting to join Bayless on “Undisputed.” In the past, the future Hall of Famer has been blasted by Bayless in the past: he’s called Rodgers a “master media manipulator,” “inger-pointing, blame deflector,” and “diva.”
And if you catch more flies with honey (and cash) then Bayless vinegar-soaked tongue is likely not so appealing.
