Skip Bayless makes tasteless joke about Dallas Cowboys players on ‘First Take’

On Thursday, Skip Bayless returned to the "First Take" set alongside Stephen A. Smith for the first time in a decade. This marked Bayless's second appearance since leaving ESPN for FS1 in 2016, following an earlier stint on the show earlier this year. The conversation inevitably drifted towards the Dallas Cowboys, with Smith being their most ardent critic and Bayless their most devoted supporter.

Known for his unique fashion choice of tossing Cowboys jerseys in the trash post-losses, Bayless lashed out at the team following their recent defeat. He candidly expressed his desire to execute several players during the match, particularly against the Arizona Cardinals: "Quinnen Williams, in a five-minute interview, used the word ‘execute’ 32 times in five minutes.

And I must tell you that during Sunday’s collapse against the Arizona freakin’ Cardinals, I wanted to execute several of my players during the game, execute them on the field. I wanted them to be executed." Joking about the execution of players in professional sports, even if it's a recurring theme in NFL culture, seems particularly insensitive in 2026.

The timing is especially jarring given another ESPN figure is reportedly being advised to wear a bulletproof vest during college football broadcasts. Bayless's previous appearance on "First Take" was a ratings success, hinting at the show's continued appeal.