During the 2021-22 campaign, Russell Westbrook played his way into becoming one of the most hated point guards in basketball.
Besides his abysmal play on the court, he fought back against anyone who dared to question his game, whether it was journalists, fans, or even ex-head coach Frank Vogel.
On Twitter, he has also been engaged in a fierce social media war with Skip Bayless, who birthed the notorious nickname ‘Westbrick’ years ago. On Thursday afternoon, Bayless addressed his issues with Russ and handed out his latest review of the 1x MVP.
“I’m sorry but enough is finally enough. This time, I’m not just gonna sit back and shrug and roll my eyes and confine my reaction to another private vent with my wife, Ernestine. Not this time. Enough,” Bayless said on his podcast. “This time, I’m not gonna let Russell Westbrook turn Russ back into a victim and me back into a villain… I don’t care who’s on my side as long as I am speaking the truth. And in this case, I was so convinced I was speaking the truth that I can’t see how anyone couldn’t be on my side about what I tweeted at Russell Westbrook.”
Russell Westbrook is not a victim, and I am not the villain.
via @SkipBaylessShow:pic.twitter.com/q1zraQcYVA
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) July 7, 2022
Bayless has never been one to mince words, and when it comes to Russell Westbrook, he seems especially willing to bash the guy for his flaws on the court.
On the part of Russ, he has warned Skip before to check himself and the language he uses to criticize his game.
Yoooo… watch your mouth. Don’t say anything here you wouldn’t say to my face. https://t.co/0u8nFXYLY8
— Russell Westbrook (@russwest44) June 25, 2022
Russ has spurned Bayless’ invites many times, so don’t count on these two hashing things out face-to-face. The truth is, if Russell Westbrook really wants people to start respecting him again, he’s going to have to play better.
This upcoming season is his chance to right his wrongs and make amends for his abysmal performance in the 2022-23 campaign. It’s also his chance to prove Skip Bayless wrong.
