Joy Taylor, a prominent FS1 television host, has been at the center of sports news headlines over the past 24 hours, following serious allegations outlined in a lawsuit. The suit, filed by a former FOX Sports hairstylist who claims she was terminated in August 2024, accuses Taylor of having inappropriate relationships with a FOX Sports executive and fellow personality Emmanuel Acho.
Additionally, the lawsuit alleges that Skip Bayless offered the hairstylist $1.5 million for sexual favors, further deepening the controversy.
Jason Whitlock, who worked with FOX Sports from 2016 to 2020, has weighed in on the situation during his show, Fearless with Jason Whitlock, which airs on Blaze Media.
Whitlock, known for his outspoken nature, shared his perspective on Taylor and his personal decision to distance himself from her during his time at FOX Sports.
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Whitlock’s Experience with Taylor at FOX Sports
According to Whitlock, Taylor was brought in to audition for his talk show around 2015 or 2016. However, the test did not go as planned, and Whitlock decided against including Taylor on his show. During his Monday broadcast, he explained his rationale, stating that he felt Taylor’s appeal leaned heavily on her physical appearance rather than her contributions as a broadcaster.
“Taylor added very little beyond her looks,” Whitlock said, emphasizing his desire to avoid potential distractions in a professional environment. He elaborated further, saying, “I know what I’m capable of. And that big rack of hers that she showed off constantly. And that peanut butter skin with that big rack. Like, ‘J, keep your distance.’”
Whitlock made it clear that he deliberately chose to keep his interactions with Taylor minimal, suggesting that he wanted to avoid any scenarios that could compromise his professionalism.
Who Whitlock Wanted for the Role
Interestingly, Whitlock revealed that he had hoped Bonnie Bernstein would be selected for the position instead.
However, the opportunity ultimately went in a different direction, and Whitlock found himself paired with Colin Cowherd for the show. He noted that the pairing with Cowherd was a better fit for him and allowed the show to thrive in its own right.
Lawsuit Fallout
The allegations in the lawsuit have cast a shadow over FOX Sports, raising questions about the internal dynamics and culture of the network. While Taylor has not publicly responded to the claims as of yet, the ongoing discussion has sparked debates about professionalism, ethics, and the treatment of women in the sports media industry.
Whitlock’s comments, though unrelated to the specific allegations, add another layer of complexity to Taylor’s tenure at FOX Sports. Whether these allegations will lead to further investigations or impact Taylor’s career remains to be seen.
As the legal proceedings unfold, more details are likely to emerge, keeping Taylor and the network in the spotlight for the foreseeable future.
