In this media climate, where everybody has a take and a stance on current events — for the most part — what is understood to be acceptable is clearly defined. On Friday morning, many fans across social media felt that former NFL linebacker and current ESPN analyst Bart Scott crossed that line.
Scott was asked about the state of the Dallas Cowboys after star CB Trevon Diggs suffered a season-ending knee injury in practice on Thursday afternoon, and how he answered felt insensitive and unwarranted to most.
Bart Scott Ripped Online After Disgusting Comment
There are some things you just don’t joke about or make light of, and injuries in the NFL fall squarely in that category. It looks as if someone forgot to tell Scott that, and fans were not too pleased with his words.
THIS IS DISGUSTING: ESPN analyst Bart Scott making a joke about Trevon Diggs season ending injury.
I don’t ever like to call for anyone’s job because we’ve all got family’s to support, but this is unacceptable.
(H/T @jasrifootball) pic.twitter.com/9J7aLm8pjA
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) September 22, 2023
Scott chimed in on the matter with a lack of awareness or compassion for the situation and, as a result, made a puzzling comment that left the rest of his cast members unhappy. “This is a major, major blow for Dallas, and like Stephen A. always said … just wait … something bad always happens.”
Immediately upon finishing his sentence, fellow colleague and former NFL player Ryan Clark swiftly said, “No, don’t start that,” before Stephen A. himself said, “First off, I wouldn’t do that right now in all seriousness.”
MORE: PFN Life — Off-the-Field Content
“This is a season-ending injury, so I’m certainly not going to joke about that.” Smith continued.
As you may expect, fans and even NFL players took to social media to share their displeasure with Scott’s comments.
Classless move from Scott
— Fantasy in the A.M. (@FantasyintheAM) September 22, 2023
Does anyone even like Bart? Like at all?
— Elle 🖤 (@elletalksravens) September 22, 2023
Diggs’ Teammate, Micah Parsons, Chimed In About the Troubling Comment
There seems to be a real outrage when it comes to the distastefulness Scott showed on Friday morning, and that doesn’t just include fans — Diggs’ teammates commented as well.
Wtf ?? He ole hating ass old head!! Lame asf!! This why I really don’t like talking to dudes in the media!! As a former player you are a lame asf bro! Just facts joking bout a man trying to feed his family and building a legacy! ESPN gotta stop letting corn balls on tv!! https://t.co/nT29Slv3sA
— Micah Parsons (@MicahhParsons11) September 22, 2023
NFL megastar Micah Parsons took to “X” shortly after and voiced his opinion on the matter, and as many would expect, he was clearly angered by the words.
Will There Be Fallout for the Comments?
What happens now after Scott’s unsettling comment is unknown. The assumption is in the coming hours or days, Scott will be forced to either take to social media or even a statement will be released, apologizing and explaining that he did not mean for it to come off how it sounded.
Following the assumed apology, what happens next is the real question. Is that it, or is there further action from ESPN higher-ups to reprimand Scott for the mishap? We’ll have to wait and see to find out how it all plays out. Either way, it is a tough moment for the show and the network.