Troy Aikman Blasts Fox Sports for Hiring Skip Bayless

Troy Aikman is not at all happy with Fox Sports' hiring of Skip Bayless.

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Complex Original

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Fox Sports 1, a network that makes fun of ESPN and then copies them in every single way, hired commentator/noted blowhard Skip Bayless away from The Worldwide Leader this past April. The move undoubtedly angered color commentator Troy Aikman, who joined the network in 2001, and has partnered with Joe Buck to make up Fox's lead announcing team for their feature NFL broadcasts since 2002.

On Tuesday Richard Deitsch of Sports Illustrated released a quote of Aikman burning his employer by giving an honest answer about their most highly publicized hire. The NFL Hall of Fame quarterback told Deitsch:

"To say I'm disappointed in the hiring of Skip Bayless would be an enormous understatement. Clearly [Fox Sports president of national networks] Jamie Horowitz and I have a difference of opinion when it comes to building a successful organization. I believe success is achieved by acquiring and developing talented, respected and credible individuals, none of which applies to Skip Bayless."

According to Pro Football Talk, Airman Aikman had even considered leaving Fox over their signing of Bayless, which is a rumor that his most recent comments would only appear to strengthen:

While you may wonder why Aikman would be willing to take such a bold stand, it stems from a book that was authored by Bayless all the way back in 1996. In that book, Hell-Bent: The Crazy Truth About the "Win or Else" Dallas Cowboys, Bayless stated without any proof that Aikman was gay.

Several years later Aikman told the Dallas Morning News "I've not physically seen Skip Bayless since that time. That was in '95. And I still kind of wonder what I might do to him when I do see him." He added what he believes Bayless's intentions were behind making the claim, saying "And he did it, as he does everything, just for attention."

Seems like Skip may want to keep his head on a swivel at work for the next several years.

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