…Researched and contributed by Solomon Thomas.
Former footballer Jason Lee, who was mocked for his iconic dreadlock hairstyle in the 1990s, now looks unrecognisable with a bushy beard and shaved head.
During his playing career, Lee was ridiculed by comedian David Baddiel on the Fantasy Football League for his appearance, with Baddiel even dressing up as him and singing a song about his hair.
Lee played for Nottingham Forest, making 63 Premier League appearances and scoring 12 goals before retiring in 2012 and briefly managing non-league side Boston United.
Baddiel has since apologised to Lee for mocking him on the show and appeared on Lee’s podcast last year.
Lee has previously spoken about the impact the ridicule had on him and how it was important for him to hold Baddiel accountable while also giving him the opportunity to explain himself.
Speaking on the Garibaldi Red podcast last year, Lee reflected on the conversation with Baddiel, saying it was important for him to claim ownership of the situation and for them to have a face-to-face conversation.
This article highlights how appearances can impact how someone is treated, and how the mocking of Lee’s hair by Baddiel and others had a lasting impact on him.
The article also touches on the importance of apologies and accountability in righting past wrongs, as demonstrated by Baddiel’s apology to Lee and their subsequent conversation.