Joy Taylor, born on January 17, 1987, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a prominent American media personality and television host, best known for her work with Fox Sports 1 (FS1). Throughout her career, Taylor has garnered significant attention not only for her professional achievements but also for her personal life, particularly her relationships and marriages.
Early life and career
Taylor attended Barry University, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in broadcast communications in 2009. During her time at the university, she hosted a radio show called “The Noise” and managed the university’s radio station, WBRY 1640 AM. Her early career involved working at 790 AM The Ticket in Miami, where she began as an executive producer and eventually became the co-host for the station’s top-rated morning-drive sports radio show, “Zaslow and Joy Show.” She also hosted “Fantasy Football Today” and “Thursday Night Live” on CBSSports.com. In March 2016, Taylor joined Fox Sports, taking on various roles, including filling in for Kristine Leahy on “The Herd with Colin Cowherd.” By August 2016, she became the moderator for FS1’s sports debate show “Skip and Shannon: Undisputed” with commentators Skip Bayless and Shannon Sharpe. Later, she transitioned to “The Herd with Colin Cowherd” and began hosting “The Joy Taylor Show” on Fox Sports Radio in September 2021. As of September 2022, she co-hosts “Speak” on FS1.
Personal life and marriages
Taylor’s personal life has been a subject of public interest, particularly her relationships and marriages.
In 2016, Taylor married Richard Giannotti, a former baseball player and financial advisor. The couple’s wedding was a celebrated event; however, their marriage was short-lived, ending in divorce in 2017. Reports suggest that the marriage faced challenges, including allegations of infidelity, which contributed to their separation.
Following her divorce, Taylor began a relationship with former NBA point guard and head coach Earl Watson. The couple got engaged in September 2018, with Taylor announcing the engagement on “The Herd with Colin Cowherd.” Despite their plans to marry, the relationship faced difficulties, leading to their separation in November 2019.
Recent developments
As of January 2025, Taylor’s personal life has again come under scrutiny due to a lawsuit filed by former Fox Sports hairstylist Noushin Faraji. The lawsuit alleges sexual and workplace harassment within Fox Sports, naming Taylor among others. Faraji claims that during a dinner in January 2017, Taylor’s then-husband became suspicious of a potential relationship between Taylor and a Fox Sports executive, leading to personal and professional tensions. These allegations have brought renewed attention to Taylor’s past relationships and professional conduct.
Conclusion
Taylor’s career in sports media has been marked by significant achievements and a strong presence in the industry. However, her personal life, particularly her marriages and relationships, has experienced challenges and public scrutiny. As she continues her career with FS1, Taylor remains a prominent figure in sports broadcasting, navigating both professional responsibilities and personal experiences.
