Skip Bayless is usually viewed as one of the biggest villains in the sports media right now. The ‘Undisputed’ host has been berated a plethora of times for his over-the-top takes about the NBA.
Bayless had a habit of getting into it with his longtime co-host Shannon Sharpe. However, the partnership will come to an end after the 2023 NBA Finals. ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith reacted to the news and refused to throw Skip under the bus. In fact, Smith revealed how Bayless fought for him to get a permanent role on ‘First Take’ in 2012.
“I sincerely hope, regardless of what opinion that I’m about to give, that y’all don’t make the mistake of assuming that I’m going to speak against my man, Skip Bayless,” Smith said. “That’s not going to happen. Remember when I told you that I was the star of the No. 1 sports morning show for the last 11 and a half years? The first four years of that were with Skip Bayless. I’m never in that position if it were not for Skip Bayless.”
He added: “Skip Bayless asked me to come on ‘First Take.’ Skip Bayless permitted me to come on ‘First Take.’ Skip Bayless fought for me to come on ‘First Take.’ Skip Bayless played a role in restoring my career that I felt had been wrongly taken from me. I will never disrespect him. It will not happen.”
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Skip Bayless was the heart and soul of ESPN’s ‘First Take’ before Stephen A. Smith came onboard in 2012. But Bayless left the company in 2016 to start his new show ‘Undisputed,’ with Fox Sports.
Bayless enjoyed a great stint with Shannon Sharpe as his co-host. But it’s time for the veteran analyst to find a new co-host because the differences between him and Sharpe seem irreparable.
Stephen A. Smith Invited Shannon Sharpe To Join ‘First Take’
Shannon Sharpe has become one of the most famous people in the sports media industry. Many believe Sharpe was the true reason behind ‘Undisputed’s’ popularity among fans.
Stephen A. Smith recently tried to recruit Sharpe to ‘First Take.’ Smith made the offer, but Sharpe is yet to respond to it.
“If Shannon Sharpe needs me, I’m happy to be here for him,” Smith said. “If that included him wanting to come on ‘First Take,’ the bosses at ESPN know that is something I would support. Not every day, but one of those days every week. If Shannon Sharpe wanted to join that roster [of analysts], there’s no resistance from Stephen A. … I respect the hell out of him. There’s no doubt the man knows his football!”
Smith showed nothing but respect to Sharpe. Although he didn’t offer him a full-time position, he wants the NFL legend to make occasional appearances. To be honest, it will be exciting to see Smith lock horns with Sharpe.
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