FULL SEND PODCAST – Skip Bayless | Ep. 170

Release Date: October 6, 2025
Podcast Network: Shots Podcast Network
Guests: Skip Bayless
Hosts: Kyle, Champ, and others

Episode Overview

This episode of the Full Send Podcast features legendary sports commentator and debate icon Skip Bayless. The conversation dives into Skip’s fitness regime, his unconventional entry into sports journalism, the evolution of sports media, and his polarizing views on LeBron James. The hosts challenge Skip’s most infamous takes on basketball history, dig into heated debates about LeBron, Kobe, and Michael Jordan, and get candid insights into Skip's career, podcasting ventures, and memorable moments from television.

1. Skip Bayless’ Fitness Routine & Marathon Stories

[01:12–05:47]

Key Points

• Skip’s daily fitness ritual: 1 hour of cardio every single morning, plus weights three times a week.
  • “I'm not bragging about it. I'm just addicted to it because I like it.” – Skip [01:36]
• Former psycho marathoner: ran 10 marathons; used to run outside but now sticks to treadmill/stationary bike in LA for safety.
• Host Kyle recounts running his first marathon solo in India due to scheduling conflicts; both bond over the discipline and motivation running gives.
• Discussion about ultra-marathons and the role of health/fitness in maintaining discipline amid unhealthy lifestyle temptations.

Notable Quotes

• “It's a never ending battle from here on, but it's just funny to me to watch [ex-athletes] turn back into us… there's no magic pill to it, you know...” – Skip [04:24]
• “If you take anabolic steroids, it won't do you any good unless you go to the gym.” – Skip [05:36]

2. Skip's Origin Story & Sports Journalism Advice

[06:00–12:33]

Key Points

• Skip’s path began when a tough journalism teacher, Liz Burdette, noticed his raw talent for sports writing in high school.
  • She forced him into journalism, marking a turning point in his life.
  • Won a full scholarship to Vanderbilt for sports writing.
• Emphasizes old-school sports journalism: paying dues, knowing the game, and building expertise through writing.
• Comments on the shift in modern sports media: now, personality and entertainment often outweigh true journalistic credibility.
  • “I'd like to think that the people they put on now have great personalities… they have some on air attraction that works.” – Skip [12:33]

3. The Evolution (and Decline?) of Sports Media Credentials

[12:33–14:51]

Key Points

• Discussion of qualified veterans (e.g., Adam Schefter) vs. recruits with little expertise.
• Rise of entertainment-driven sports takes: less emphasis on depth of knowledge.
• Examples of recent embarrassments on-air (“…she thought it was Shador [Sanders jersey], and it was a Barry Sanders…” [13:10]) as signs of waning standards.

4. On “Hot Takes,” Clout, and Regrets

[14:51–15:13]

Key Points

• Skip asserts he never offers takes he doesn’t genuinely believe: “Like not one time. Never, ever.” [14:51]
• Hosts press Skip about past controversial takes, including being accused of putting Kwame Brown in his all-time starting five—Skip discredits the claim as fake news/AI confusion.

5. Skip’s Most Controversial Views: LeBron vs. Jordan vs. Kobe and More

[15:15–42:57]

Key Points

LeBron James’ Clutch Gene & GOAT Debate

• Skip is steadfast: LeBron is outside his top 8 all-time NBA players, ranking #9.
  • List includes: Jordan, Magic, Kareem, Shaq, Tim Duncan, Larry Bird, Kobe (all above LeBron).
  • “[LeBron was] not born with a clutch gene… when it comes to making the shot at the moment in the game, LeBron has been a disaster because that is not his forte.” – Skip [16:30]
• Believes Kobe “was a cold blooded basketball killer. Mamba. 100%.” [20:01]
• Points to numerous “epic fails” from LeBron in big moments (2015 Finals against the Warriors, 2013 Finals Ray Allen rescue, 2017 Finals Game 1). Reference to LeBron passing in clutch situations: “If you have the guts… you take that shot to win or lose the game, especially when you have a hot hand.” [28:16]

Legacy and Longevity

• Skip does credit LeBron for unmatched “longevity and durability” but won’t call him the greatest ever: “No one has ever been able to stay healthy enough and spirited enough. You got to still love it, man...” [39:38]
• Unapologetically focuses on clutch factors and fourth-quarter performance to define greatness.

Notable Quotes

• “He’s a really good father… but nice guys finish last. Nice guys aren’t clutch.” — Skip [44:49]
• “If you want somebody who will speak the truth, who's not involved, then I'm your man.” — Skip [36:10]

6. Personal Interactions & Relationships (Jordan, LeBron, and More)

[46:13–53:17]

Key Jordan Stories

• Michael Jordan anecdotes:
  • Michael using “imagined enemies” like GM Jerry Krause: “I'm going to imagine this golf ball has Jerry Krause's face on it.” [48:49]
  • Bulls practice stories and playing free-throw games with a blindfold.
  • Recalls Jordan’s legendary obsession with winning and intimidating competitive edge.

Notable Quotes

• “Michael always had to have somebody to hate… do not get in his way or he will slit your throat.” – Skip [46:47]

7. Modern Sports Issues: Shadur Sanders, NFL Bias & Cultural Perceptions

[54:01–62:13]

Key Points

• Skip slams the NFL for perceived bias keeping Shadur Sanders from a fair opportunity:
  • “The NFL decided to teach both son and father a lesson… we don't do it the way you guys do it.” [56:17]
  • Attributes Sanders’ draft struggles to institutional resistance to difference, image, and success in NIL/college.
• Hosts and guests discuss the “good old boy network” and why Sanders fell in the draft despite talent.
• Critique of how the league and media still struggle with outspoken or non-traditional Black athletes.

8. Critiques on Halftime Shows & Pop Culture

[62:13–63:10]

Key Points

• Bad Bunny chosen for halftime: hosts are dismissive (“He sucks” – Kyle [62:23]); Skip admits he doesn’t know enough to judge, but notes Bunny’s massive popularity.

9. Jokic, Current NBA Stars, and All-Time Rankings

[63:10–64:49]

Key Points

• Why Jokic and other current greats don’t get instant “all-time” love from Skip: needs to see body of work finalized.
  • “He's the most gifted big man we've ever seen. All around…” – Skip [63:32]
• Acknowledges context matters: Steph, KD, and Jokic could definitely force their way into his top 10 by the time they're done.

10. Skip on Media Career (ESPN, Podcasting, and Sparring with Athletes)

[69:18–71:52]

Key Points

• Discusses satisfaction and difference in doing his solo podcast versus the back-and-forth, live TV debates.
• Loves facing former athletes who “did play the game that I did not play. And I live for that.” [69:57]
• Gives respect to new athlete-podcaster voices for bringing authentic, behind-the-scenes stories.

11. Most Intense On-Air Moments: The Richard Sherman Incident

[71:52–80:01]

Key Points

• Recalls the infamous Richard Sherman on-air confrontation: Sherman called in and ambushed Skip, leading to a viral, career-defining TV moment.
• “If I respond in kind to him at that point and it blows up... then we’re going to lose our shot at having an afternoon show.” – Skip [75:00]
• Skip dissected being live, under pressure, trying to handle confrontation with professionalism and composure; praises from bosses for holding his composure.

Notable Quotes

• “I got more kudos from the bosses... over that lot than anything I ever did because I held my own without losing my temper.” [78:28]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments by Timestamp

• On his unwavering opinions:
  “Like not one time, not one time. Never, ever.” – Skip [14:51]
• On LeBron’s legacy:
  “Has a long history of fourth quarter flame outs which is why I have him ninth.” – Skip [42:57]
• On Michael Jordan’s killer instinct:
  “Do not get in his way or he will slit your throat.” – Skip [46:48]
• On modern sports media:
  “Now YouTube is filled with people who…” – Skip [12:33]
• On handling confrontation live:
  "I'm tiptoeing, but I'm not backing up. I'm tiptoeing forward and trying to hang in with him and not let him just run over me..." – Skip [78:28]
• Exchange on LeBron owning ‘real estate’ in Skip’s head:
  Champ: “Does he own real estate in your head, you think? A little bit.”
  Skip: “Oh, none of his head, right? Yeah, I do. I do. Yeah. That's hilarious. So I educated you. Finally you learned something.” [69:06]

12. Final Thoughts & Show Plugs

[80:01–80:12]

• Episode closes with thanks and a plug for Skip’s new show, Arena Gridiron, and his continued passion for real sports debate.

Summary

This episode is a classic Full Send clash: sharp, funny, and deeply revealing about Skip Bayless, the persistence of sports broadcasting as performance art, and the never-ending debate about what constitutes greatness in basketball and beyond. Whether you’re a LeBron stan or a clutch-loving MJ fan, Skip’s unfiltered, passionate approach ensures there’s plenty to entertain, infuriate, and maybe even enlighten.

Listen if you want:

• Authentic behind-the-scenes stories from sports media’s most polarizing figure
• A deep dive into the LeBron-Jordan-Kobe GOAT debate
• Firsthand accounts of Michael Jordan’s legendary killer drive
• Hot takes, hard questions, and a glimpse into the mental grind of on-air debate
• Insights on ongoing issues of culture, personality, and credibility in sports today