Following Shannon Sharpe’s departure from Undisputed on FS1, it has been reported that Skip Bayless will be joined by another Pro Football Hall of Famer as his debate partner.
According to John Ourand of the Sports Business Journal, Michael Irvin will be joining Undisputed alongside Richard Sherman and Keyshawn Johnson.
Ourand revealed that Irvin had been in negotiations to join the show for some time, and although talks seemed to have cooled over the weekend, an agreement was ultimately reached on Monday. Prior to this, Irvin had previously worked as an analyst for ESPN and served in the same role for NFL Network.
Interestingly enough, Skip made an official announcement of the hires, and tweeted out about Key joining the show.
RICHARD SHERMAN! KEYSHAWN JOHNSON! MICHAEL IRVIN! NEW DREAM TEAM ON THE NEW UNDISPUTED. NEW LIL WAYNE INTRO SONG, "GOOD MORNING." NEXT MONDAY. AUGUST 28. 9:30 E, FS1. BE THERE.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) August 22, 2023
Now it appears that tweet may have been preemptive.
According to the NY Post, Key can’t be on the show until he’s let out of his contract with the Mothership.
“As The Post previously reported, Johnson was in the second year of a five-year contract worth about $18 million when he was let go.
For him to work in sports media between now and when his contract expires, he would need to reach an agreement with ESPN, and that has not happened yet”
According to FS1 executive vice president of content Charlie Dixon, the company is shifting its approach in finding a new partner for Bayless.
Instead of focusing on creating debates, they are now prioritizing chemistry and agreement among the panelists.
This new approach allows for more in-depth conversations and avoids the pressure of providing instantaneous takes that may be right or wrong.
In addition to regular panelists Irvin, Sherman, and Johnson, Dixon has a list of over a dozen analysts who will regularly join Bayless.
This includes newcomers to the network such as Rachel Nichols and Lil Wayne, as well as other FS1 talents like Nick Wright and Emmanuel Acho.
Got a story or tip for us? Email TMSPN editors at [email protected]
Want More From The World Wide Leader in Sports Entertainment?
For all the latest breaking in sports entertainment news, be sure to follow TMSPN.com on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
