Skip Bayless has married a PR professional and author, Ernestine Sclafani Bayless, since 2016. However, there often circulated rumors that the sportscaster might be gay.
American sports columnist, commentator, and television personality Skip Bayless is well-known for his work as a sportscaster on ESPN2.
Now, Bayless runs his podcast, “The Skip Bayless Show,” where he and his guests discuss current sports topics and news, mainly from the AFC, NFL, and NCAA.
Skip left the show “Skip and Shannon Undisputed” with Shannon Sharpe on Fox Sports 1 in August 2024 after running it for eight years.
Highlights
- Skip Bayless and Troy Aikman got entangled in a discussion of accusing each other of being gay following Bayless’s book, Hell-Bent: The Crazy Truth About the “Win or Else” Dallas Cowboys.
- Skip Bayless is married to his long-term girlfriend, Ernestine Sclafani Bayless. They got married in 2016.
- Bayless and Ernestine do not have a kid together. Skip has revealed he does not wish to bear responsibility.
Skip Bayless has gained attention for his controversial remarks and strong criticism of athletes and teams.
One of his major controversies was his 1996 book, Hell-Bent: The Crazy Truth About the “Win or Else” Dallas Cowboys, which also featured his writing about Troy Aikman, former professional football quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys.
In one chapter, while writing about the conflict between Cowboys coach Barry Switzer and star quarterback Troy Aikman, Bayless reported on speculation by Switzer and others within the Dallas organization that Aikman was gay.
Moreover, later in 2011, when Aikman was asked about his portrayal in Bayless’s book, Troy Aikman stated he might get physical if he saw Bayless.
Similarly, he added Bayless himself might be gay. Talking with the Dallas Morning News, Troy Aikman said,
When a guy like that comes out and, whether it’s intimated or stated, and there’s no substance to that claim, and he’s doing it purely to gain interest in a book, that’s a problem.”
Troy Aikman
Meanwhile, Bayless states that he and Troy are in touch and friendly in his latest appearance on the “Pardon My Take” podcast with host Dan “Big Cat” and PFT Commenter (Eric Sollenberger).
Furthermore, Skip said,
If you had read my book, you would love the way I portrayed Troy in my book,” Because Troy was the hero of that book.
Skip Bayless
Skip Bayless’s Wife, Ernestine Sclafani Bayless, Is An Author And PR Expert
Skip Bayless is married to Ernestine Sclafani Bayless. She is an author known for her book, “BALLS: How to Keep Your Relationship Alive When You Live with a Sports-Obsessed Guy.”
Ernestine earned a bachelor’s degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology. From 1995 to 2005, she was vice president of Edelman public relations worldwide.
Later on, she worked for Weber Shandwick as a consumer media relations specialist from 2005 to 2018.
After that, she has been actively involved in contractual public relations counseling and engaged in lifestyle, consumer marketing, and communications.
Furthermore, Skip Bayless’s wife, Ernestine Sclafani, has an Instagram bio that describes her as an author, PR Guru, fashionista, and Dog Mom.
Ernestine has an adorable white dog, Hazel, who is often seen on Skip Bayless’s wife’s social media account.
Furthermore, Ernestine Sclafani also appears on The Skip Bayless Show and discusses the latest sports, entertainment, and fashion news.
Skip Bayless And Ernestine Sclafani Do Not Have Kids; Bayless Shared He Wishes To Avoid Responsibility
73-year-old Skip Bayless and his wife Ernestine Sclafani Bayless do not have kids together. They have been married for over seven years since 2016.
Similarly, the sports commentator started dating his wife, Ernestine, in 2005.
Skip Bayless fully admits to dedicating is life to hating on LeBron, even tells his wife that she'd be second to him
— Shane 🌹 (@Shane00) October 29, 2024
Bro literally chose to not have kids so he can hate. That's an unprecedented level of hate pic.twitter.com/WnKCEbJrSm
In Pat Bew Podcast, while discussing his dedication to his job, Skip revealed that his work is his priority beyond anything. He says,
“On my first date with my now-wife Ernestine…I said if this relationship ever lifts off and goes any place, you’re just going to have to know from day one that you’ll be second in my life to my work. Because it’s not just my work to me — it’s my passion. It’s my life. It’s my essence. It’s my reason for being.”
Skip Bayless
Furthermore, Bayless revealed that he doesn’t have kids because he wishes to avoid the responsibility of attending recitals, rehearsals, weddings, and most other obligations.
The former ESPN 2 commentator stated,
f you have a kid, you have to be there for your kid — but I chose to dedicate my life to this. f you have a kid, you have to be there for your kid — but I chose to dedicate my life to this.
Skip Bayless
Additional Information
- As of 2024, Skip Bayless’s estimated net worth is around $17 million. He also reportedly receives $5 million a year from Fox Sports.
- Skip Bayless was born as John Edward Bayless II. His father, John Sr., and mother, Levita Anderson Bayless. His parents owned and operated the Hickory House restaurant in Oklahoma City.
- Skip Bayless has two younger siblings, a brother and a sister. His brother, Rick Bayless, is a chef and restaurateur specializing in traditional Mexican cuisine.
