Shannon Sharpe has offered his perspective on his former broadcast partner Skip Bayless’ impending departure from FS1.
According to reports, Bayless is set to leave “Undisputed” after eight years of co-hosting the morning debate program.
Sharpe, who co-hosted “Undisputed” with Bayless for seven years before leaving last summer, discussed his thoughts on his “Nightcap” podcast. Reflecting on his time at FS1, Sharpe mentioned that he kept in touch with many behind-the-scenes staff in makeup and production, expressing his fondness for them.
“I don’t really know what happened with Skip. Skip gave me an opportunity. I’ve been very forthcoming about that. I’m not in the position I’m in if Skip doesn’t give me the opportunity,” Sharpe said. “But when people say it’s luck, that’s what happens when preparation meets opportunity. I was prepared when the opportunity presented itself, and I took full advantage of that. So, I’ll be forever grateful for Skip giving me the opportunity. I want Skip to win. I wanted Skip to succeed at ‘Undisputed,’ and just because I’m not there, that doesn’t mean I don’t want him to succeed. I just realized that me and him couldn’t succeed at the same table.”
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Sharpe, who has found significant success with his own podcasts and as a guest on ESPN’s “First Take” over the past year, emphasized his continued goodwill toward Bayless. “I want him to succeed. I want me to succeed. I want Stephen A. [Smith] and I to succeed. I’m not jealous of anybody. I’ve never been jealous of anybody. That’s not how I operate. I appreciate Fox giving me the opportunity. I appreciate Skip going to bat for me and giving me the opportunity. But, things happen,” Sharpe said.
Sharpe also touched on the uncertainty surrounding Bayless’ future. “I don’t know what Skip’s going to do. I wish him the best, but I don’t make the call. ESPN [issued a statement saying Bayless wouldn’t be on ‘First Take’] and Stephen A. said what he said. But at the end of the day, ESPN’s going to make a call. Shannon don’t call the shots at ‘First Take.’”
Sharpe mentioned that the only people he regularly spoke to off-air at ESPN were Disney CEO Bob Iger, ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro, president of content Burke Magnus, and head of event and studio production Dave Roberts.
Towards the end of his segment, Sharpe hinted at the eventual falling out with Bayless, referencing their heated debates over topics like Baker Mayfield and the tension following the collapse of Bills safety Damar Hamlin on the field.
“I wish Skip the best,” Sharpe continued. “I had seven amazing years. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. I’m not going to let six months ruin a great relationship.”
Sharpe’s comments reflect a mix of gratitude for the opportunities Bayless and FS1 provided, alongside an acknowledgment of the personal and professional challenges that ultimately led to his departure from “Undisputed.” His focus now remains on his own success and the new paths he’s forging in sports media.
