Levita Bayless Bio
Levita Bayless was an accomplished American restaurateur and the mother of Skip Bayless, a well-known sports commentator and television personality.
He is perhaps best recognized for his role as a commentator on ESPN2’s First Take with Stephen A. Smith, a show which he left in 2016.
After his departure, Bayless debuted a new show called Skip and Shannon: Undisputed with Shannon Sharpe on Fox Sports 1 on September 6, 2016.
Skip Bayless has since become a household name in the world of sports media, known for his strong opinions and engaging personality.
His mother played a pivotal role in his success and is remembered as a respected figure in the industry.
Levita Bayless Son
John Edward Bayless II, better known as Skip Bayless, is a prominent figure in the world of sports journalism and commentary. He gained widespread recognition for his role as a commentator on ESPN2’s First Take with Stephen A. Smith, a position he held until June 2016.
After departing from First Take, Bayless went on to host his own show, called Skip and Shannon: Undisputed, on Fox Sports 1. The show premiered on September 6, 2016 and has been a hit among sports fans. In addition to his work on television, Bayless is also a successful sports columnist and has written for various publications throughout his career.
Skip Bayless Age
Bayless is 72 years old as of 2023, he was born on December 4, 1951, in Oklahoma, U.S. He normally celebrates his birthday with his family and close friends every year on December 4. His zodiac sign is Sagittarius.
| Year | 2023 | 2024 |
| Skip Bayless Age | 72 years | 73 years |
Skip Bayless Wife and Kids
Outside of his career, Bayless is married to Ernestine Sclafani, a former ESPN colleague who currently serves as the Executive Producer of “Skip and Shannon: Undisputed.” Sclafani has worked in sports television for over two decades, starting her career as a production assistant at ESPN before working her way up to her current role at Fox Sports.
While Sclafani is known for her work behind the scenes in the sports television industry, she has also made headlines for her relationship with Bayless.
The couple has been married since 2016 and has faced speculation about the dynamics of their relationship, with some questioning whether Sclafani’s role as Bayless’ boss could create tension in their marriage.
Despite the scrutiny they have faced, Bayless and Sclafani have managed to maintain a strong and supportive relationship, with both partners expressing their admiration and respect for each other’s work.
Bayless has credited Sclafani with helping him to stay focused and motivated in his career, while Sclafani has praised Bayless for his passion and dedication to sports journalism.
In conclusion, Skip Bayless is a well-known and controversial figure in the sports world, known for his strong opinions and willingness to engage in heated debates on a variety of sports topics. He has found success as a sports journalist, hosting several popular shows on both ESPN and Fox Sports.
Bayless is also a published author and is married to Ernestine Sclafani, a former ESPN colleague who currently serves as the Executive Producer of his show “Skip and Shannon: Undisputed.” While the couple has faced criticism and speculation about their relationship, they have maintained a strong bond and support each other.
Skip Bayless Career
Skip Bayless is a well-known sports journalist and television personality, known for his controversial and outspoken opinions on a variety of sports topics.
Born John Edward Bayless II in Oklahoma, he was given the nickname “Skip” by his father and eventually had his name legally changed to reflect this.
Growing up, Bayless worked in his parents’ barbecue restaurant, the Hickory House, but never considered a career in cooking.
Instead, he focused on sports, playing baseball and basketball and serving as the sports columnist for his high school newspaper.
Bayless attended Vanderbilt University on a Grantland Rice Scholarship, named after the famous sportswriter, and studied English and history.
He was a member of Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity and served as the sports editor of the student newspaper. After graduation, Bayless began his career as a sports journalist, working for The Dallas Morning News and The Miami Herald before eventually joining the ESPN network.
Bayless is perhaps best known for his work as a co-host on ESPN’s “First Take,” where he engaged in heated debates with fellow co-host Stephen A. Smith and other guests. His strong and often controversial opinions made him a polarizing figure in the sports world, with many fans either loving or hating his takes on various sports topics.
In 2016, Bayless left ESPN to join Fox Sports, where he currently hosts “Skip and Shannon: Undisputed” with former NFL player Shannon Sharpe.
The show has gained a dedicated following, with Bayless continuing to offer his bold and sometimes divisive opinions on a range of sports issues.
Despite the success he has found as a sports journalist, Bayless has faced criticism for his controversial opinions and his tendency to generate headlines with his hot takes.
Some have accused him of being more interested in stirring up controversy and creating buzz than in providing thoughtful analysis of sports issues.
In addition to his work as a sports journalist, Bayless is also a published author, having written several books on sports topics, including a memoir about his relationship with his father.
