A number of years in the past, Stephen A. Smith and Skip Bayless teamed as much as host “First Take” on ESPN and helped give the present sturdy rankings frequently.
However after 4 years collectively, the partnership ended when Bayless left to start out his personal present, “Undisputed,” on FOX Sports activities 1.
There have been rumors ever since that Smith and Bayless had a private falling out which resulted in Bayless leaving, however Smith mentioned he loves Bayless as a buddy.
Nevertheless, he didn’t say something about reuniting with Bayless, who reportedly will likely be leaving “Undisputed” later this summer time, per Michael McCarthy.
ESPN’s @stephenasmith simply addressed ex-TV associate’s @RealSkipBayless exit at FS1 on his pod.
Mentioned he loves Skip as a buddy. He’ll at all times be grateful to Skip for bringing him to First Absorb 2012.
However Smith did not say a phrase about bringing Skip again 2 ESPN or ‘First Take’.’
— Michael McCarthy (@MMcCarthyREV) July 17, 2024
Smith has been a fixture with ESPN for a few years, and his affiliation with “First Take” since 2012 raised his profile on the community.
Bayless was the one who introduced Smith to that present, and Smith stays grateful to Bayless in consequence.
On “Undisputed,” Bayless was teamed up with Shannon Sharpe, a three-time Tremendous Bowl champion, and for just a few years, the present bought very strong rankings.
However Sharpe left final yr after his relationship with Bayless soured, and rankings fell sharply afterward.
Each “Undisputed” and “First Take” have had a number of co-hosts currently, with Sharpe changing into one of many co-hosts of “First Take” following his departure from “Undisputed.”
In the meantime, Bayless has teamed up with former NFL stars Richard Sherman, Keyshawn Johnson and Michael Irvin on “Undisputed” over the previous yr or so.
Smith hasn’t been on his present currently, as he’s within the midst of contract extension talks with ESPN.
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Particulars Emerge About Skip Bayless Leaving Present ‘Undisputed’
