Former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant has apologized to NBA Today host Malika Andrews for comments directed at her that caused a firestorm of controversy,  Sports Illustrated

Bryant was highly critical of Andrews for her alleged lack of coverage of the allegations swirling around Oklahoma City Thunder forward Josh Giddey who was accused of having an “inappropriate relationship” with an underage girl. 

He argued that Andrews goes out of her way to demean Black athletes such as Charlotte Hornets rookie Brandon Miller who was charged in a wrongful death lawsuit by the family of Jamea Harris who died at a shooting that took place near the University of Alabama campus in January. While Giddey’s allegations have received little air time.

"You went out your way to crucify Brandon Miller on draft day over something he didn't even do," Bryant wrote on X (formerly Twitter). "Why haven't you said anything about Josh Giddey? I advise you not to make this a black-or-white thing."

Bryant went as far as to call Andrews a “puppet” and suggested she was raised wrong by her parents. But on Wednesday (Nov. 29) evening, Bryant took to social media to share a public apology to Andrews. 

"I ain’t talking about the situation no more unless @stephenasmith @malika_andrews wanna talk on air," Bryant’s post read."But I do wanna apologize for coming so aggressive at @malika_andrews But I do wonder if she even realizes how certain things look? 

Although he apologized, Bryant had plenty of commentary that came along with it.

"Sports & media is a big deal to the culture I’ve battled my entire sports career pleading to the world we are more than the game we play. We just need better help. Millions of dollars to do a job is not worth more than a human's mental health, especially if you got a family who loves you. 

“I've experienced unfairness and saw white athletes get a slap on the wrist for doing shit I know that will get you kicked off a team in a heartbeat. I really hate to make it seem like a black-and-white thing but the unfairness is real,” his post continued.

In the aftermath of Bryant’s comments, Jemele Hill, a former ESPN sports commentator took issue with Bryant’s approach towards Andrews and said that he never has been critical of men when they provide sports news coverage. 

"With all due respect, your tone and approach to Malika was out of line. You made it personal by bringing in how she was raised. You didn't bring any of that energy to any of the male broadcasters,” Hill wrote in a tweet.

On the latest episode of his self-titled podcast, Stephen A. Smith again came to the defense of Andrews and the integrity of the journalism industry.

“It’s not about protecting Malika Andrews, it’s about protecting the industry,” Smith said. “It’s about understanding and making you understand what comes along with this job. You keep thinking we have choices, we don’t always have choices. You have to ask those questions.”

“To the Dez Bryants out there, what I’m going to say is mad respect for Dez Bryant … he’s a good dude, his heart’s in the right place,” Smith went on. “And what he’s really pointing to is that as Black men, sometimes we get a heavy hammer while others get treated considerably with a lighter hand. That offends us, that takes us aback. We don’t like it. That’s true. Malika Andrews is not guilty of that in this situation.”

In response to the allegations levied at Giddey,  Newport Beach police department has launched a full investigation into the matter.

On Wednesday,  Newport Beach police Sgt. Steve Oberon released a statement saying that law enforcement officials are "aware of information being circulated online involving an alleged relationship between professional basketball player Josh Giddey and a female minor” and are "actively seeking additional information related to these allegations and pursuing all leads and evidence to obtain the facts of the case."