Derek Jeter has shown quite an improvement in his game recently, so obviously he must be jacked up on something.
That’s the gist of what Skip Bayless said on Wednesday, when he suddenly decided to ruminate on the fact that Jeter was considered “washed up” not that long ago and is now showing more promise at the age of 38 than he did last year.
“I am shocked by what I’m seeing from Derek Jeter right now. They all said he was washed up,” Bayless said. “All of a sudden, this man has turned 38 years of age in June and already he has more hits than he had last year. … I’m seeing a whole new guy this year from last year … Are you kidding me? You would have to have your head in the sand or your head somewhere else not to at least wonder, ‘How is he doing this?’ ”
You might say Bayless is just leaping to the conclusion many others have leapt to, especially since there have been so many athletes found guilty of doping in the past year or two. The difference is, he has a televised platform on which to make those statements, unlike everyone else. And although Jeter’s numbers are considerably better than they were last year–he has twice as many hits–one can’t just start throwing accusations around.
Of course, Bayless backpedalled and said he wasn’t accusing Jeter of anything, he just thinks the situation is suspect.
“I am not saying he uses a thing,” Bayless said. “I have no idea. But within the confines of his sport, it is fair for all of us, in fact you are remiss, if you don’t at least think about this.”
Jeter, aside from being irritated, seemed dumbfounded that Bayless would cross that line.
“This is a first for me, man,” Jeter said. “I don’t know what to tell you … What do you want me to say? I ain’t getting involved with this, man. You can say whatever you want to say now, huh? There’s no repercussions.”
