Russell Westbrook’s wife, Nina, wants Skip Bayless to “do better” and accused him of blocking her on Twitter after a Fox Sports analyst criticized her husband.
“I just found out that @skipbayless blocked me on Twitter… like it’s me [constantly] stalking him and calling him by name,” Westbrook, a trained marriage and family therapist, wrote in her Instagram story on Friday, according to social media screenshots.
Bayless, known for his outrageous comments and divisive tweets, continues to refer to the Lakers player as “Westbrick” against the backdrop of a months-long shootout of a security guard.
“Mr Bayless. I am a real person. If you can use your platform to humiliate my husband and keep calling him by his first name, then at least be old enough to deal with the consequences of your actions,” Westbrook continued. “Don’t try to erase me from your reality in order to feel better about your choice.
“I’m still here. Don’t block me. Just be respectful and I have no reason to respond or remind you of your reckless choices. Just do better.”
Later screenshots of other social networks showed a clear deleted tweet Westbrook, which read: “I made a mistake … chirping with my fingers. I am not blocked and can freely respond to his tweets, which I will gladly do. :)”.
In another tweet, Westbrook, a former UCLA basketball player, demanded that Bayless apologize to her husband.
Nina Westbrook is unhappy with Skip BaylessNina Westbrook on Instagram
Russell Westbrook March 3, 2022 by Adam Pantozzi.
“I’m tired, you @RealSkipBayless are calling my husband by his first name. It’s very childish. This is my name, and the name of many other people. You are disrespectful and I am extremely offended by your behavior. You must apologize”.
Bayless later acknowledged Westbrook’s deleted tweet and replied, “Dear Mrs. Westbrook! Thanks for making it clear that I didn’t block you. I have never blocked anyone and never will. I welcome your criticism and appreciate your defense of your husband. But I will continue to tell the truth as I see it.”
Bayless questioned last week why the Lakers traded for Westbrook, whose poor performance this season has landed him on the bench.
Who came up with the idea to trade Russell Westbrick??? Whoever it is should be FIRED.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) March 2, 2022
Skip Bayless in 2017Hollywood To You/Star Max
The Lakers acquired Westbrook last summer in hopes of forming a Big Three with James and Anthony Davis, but the point guard struggled to find his rhythm on the roster.
According to Bleacher Report, the Lakers freshman and the franchise are interested in finding Westbrook a new team this summer.
Westbrook, 33, is averaging 18.1 points, 7.6 rebounds and 7.2 assists on 43.4% shooting from the field and 28.4% from depth.
The Lakers currently sit ninth in the Western Conference and have come under fire from sports figures including Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal.
The Lakers (28-35) will play the Spurs (24-40) on Monday night in San Antonio.