In addition to his prosperous sports commentary career, Skip Bayless is popular among people for his unconventional yet endearing relationship with his wife, Ernestine Sclafani.
John Edward Bayless II has established himself as a seasoned sports columnist, commentator, and television personality.
Bayless developed a passion for sports from a very tender age. This passion drove him to become the primary sports columnist for the school newspaper in his junior and senior years.
Skip Bayless and His Wife, Ernestine, Celebrated Their Love in a Private Ceremony, Tying the Knot in Secret!
The outspoken sports commentator Skip Bayless serendipitously met his wife, Ernestine Sclafani.
Ernestine, a PR agent and media relations specialist from Long Island, New York, rubbed elbows with her future husband, Skip, while accompanying a client who was booked for an appearance on Skip’s ESPN2 series Cold Pizza.
Their eyes met when Skip was retrieving show notes from his dressing room. Although they only exchanged brief words as Skip was preoccupied with his work, they instantly connected.
Their fleeting conversation left a strong impression on both of them, eventually paving the way for a beautiful relationship.
“As I literally ran down the hall during a commercial break, I glanced sideways into the green room and caught the gaze of a woman I’d never seen before. We chatted awkwardly for maybe 45 seconds, and she gave me her card. You might call it love at first spark. There was just something startling to me about the way we instantly clicked.”
Skip Bayless
After dating for 11 years, Ernestine and Skip tied the knot on July 28, 2016. The pair chose to have an intimate and private wedding ceremony, with only a judge and a few staff members present as witnesses.
“We decided to get married alone, we didn’t tell a soul. The judge had the bailiff serve as the best man, and the rest of his chamber were witnesses. It was a really fun and special day, just for us. Our friends and family were so supportive and happy for us when we told them what we did. They said, ‘That’s so Skip and Ernestine, always full of surprises and dancing to their own beat.'”
Skip Bayless
While Skip has deeply immersed himself in the world of sports commentary, Ernestine has established herself as an accomplished public relations executive and author.
Despite coming from two vastly different industries, the couple has cultivated a strong relationship built on understanding, respect, and a shared sense of humor.
Moreover, Ernestine has published a book, Balls: How To Keep Your Relationship Alive When You Live With A Sports-Obsessed Guy.
In her book, Ernestine offers insight into her marriage with Skip. She has emphasized the importance of understanding, mutual respect, compromise, and humor as the foundation of a great marriage.
As someone who didn’t show much interest in sports, Ernestine never expected to marry a sports enthusiast like Skip.
Nonetheless, she quickly learned about his passion and commitment to watching games early in their relationship.
Even though she didn’t fully understand Skip’s love for sports, she always made an effort to watch sports with him because, for her, it was about spending time together.
Ernestine Sclafani Has Built A Successful Career Spanning Over Three Decades!
Besides her compassionate and nurturing nature, Ernestine has a different side, which makes her a highly career-oriented and accomplished woman.
Born on August 3, 1962, Ernestine established herself as a prominent public and media relations expert.
She grew up in Long Island, New York, alongside her siblings, raised by a Jewish mother, Evelyn, and an Italian father.
Unfortunately, her mother passed away in August 2013 due to pancreatic cancer.
While Ernestine’s brother works as a doctor in Manhattan, her sister is a surgeon in Ohio, USA.
Although Sclafani gained popularity after marrying Bayless, she has built a successful career spanning over three decades.
As per her LinkedIn profile, she began her career in 1995 as the Vice President/Group Head at INTERPUBLIC / EDELMAN PUBLIC RELATIONS WORLDWIDE.
There, she oversaw accounts for notable brands like Eddie Bauer, Starbucks, Smartwater, Ecco Footwear, MaryKate and Ashley accessories and cosmetics, Mudd Jeans, Finesse, Dove, and other Unilever brands.
Later, she became the VP of Consumer Media Relations at Weber Shandwick. Sclafani led product launches and media efforts for clients nationwide, including Dunkin Donuts, Royal Caribbean, and many more.
The Fashion Institute of Technology alumnus now heads her own Los Angeles-based publicity firm, Ernestine Sclafani Bayless.
The firm specializes in fashion, consumer lifestyle, sports, integrated marketing, nutrition, and event planning.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Skip Bayless’s father originally called him ‘Skip,’ but he eventually legally changed his name to Skip.
- In his youth, Bayless also worked at his parents’ restaurant, the Hickory House, in Oklahoma City.
- He has two siblings: a young brother named Rick Bayless and a younger sister.
