Skip Bayless once again found himself at the center of controversy after making a remark that caught everyone’s attention. This week, the longtime commentator questioned the timing and sincerity of Travis Hunter’s baptism before a game, calling it, in his words, “a PR move.”
The comment didn’t sit well with Emmanuel Acho, who quickly clapped back during a segment on The Speakeasy. What followed was a fiery exchange that spread fast on social media, turning what could’ve been a simple debate into a heated conversation about faith, football, and media boundaries.
Bayless argued that Hunter’s decision to get baptized showed a lack of focus on football, suggesting the young, two-way star was beginning to “mentally check out.”
Emmanuel Acho Didn’t Hold Back On Skip’s Take
Skip Bayless criticized Travis Hunter’s decision to get baptized on game day, suggesting it showed a lack of focus. “He was happy to be baptized on a gameday morning because football isn’t taking that much concentration or pregame preparation right now,” Bayless said. Acho, visibly stunned, immediately called it out. “That’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard in my life,” he said, repeating it for emphasis.
He then went on to explain how pregame chapel is a normal part of NFL culture. “There’s team chapel before games, especially if you play in the afternoon or at night,” Acho said. “We don’t wake up and go straight to war mode. Players pray, reflect, and connect spiritually before kickoff.”
But the moment that really resonated was when he challenged Skip’s logic outright. “Don’t use a player practicing his faith as a reason to question his commitment,” Acho said firmly. “If anything, it means he’s more focused, more grounded, and has his priorities in order.”
Acho’s tone was equal parts frustration and clarity. He didn’t just disagree with Bayless; he dismantled the argument piece by piece, highlighting the personal discipline that faith can bring to an athlete’s mindset. Within hours, the clip was everywhere, with fans quoting lines and praising Acho for saying what many were thinking.
Fans Turned It Into A Debate About Faith, Media, And Boundaries
Once the clip made its way around social media, the reaction became about far more than football. Many fans applauded Travis Hunter for embracing his faith, calling it a personal and powerful moment that had nothing to do with publicity. One viral comment summed it up perfectly:
I applaud Travis Hunter for embracing his faith, as his beliefs are his business & his ‘Creed’, & they’re bereft of Skip Bayless.Perhaps he’s asked God, “Take Me ‘Higher’,” & this spiritual awakening has enhanced every aspect of his life both on & off the field.
Another wrote, “Taking 30 minutes of your time to condemn a man for being baptized and dedicating their life to Jesus? He didn’t miss the game for it. Shame on Skip Bayless for this. He didn’t ‘mentally check out on the Jags.’ He spiritually checked in for Lord and savior.”
Others took it further, questioning Bayless’s credibility. “Stop claiming to be a Christian if you’re gonna spew nonsensical takes like this, Skip,” one fan said.
And perhaps the most quoted line came from a user who invoked scripture: “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall win a football game, and lose his own soul?”
For many fans, Hunter’s baptism felt bigger than football. It reminded people that athletes are human beings with beliefs and values beyond the field, proof that faith and focus can exist together, and that some wins matter more than the score.
Published: Oct 17, 2025 03:42 pm