How is Skip Bayless feeling about all the latest Shannon Sharpe to First Take reports?
Despite recent layoffs at ESPN, the network does not seem to be hesitant about hiring.
Stephen A. Smith, the star of the show “First Take,” expressed his desire to have Shannon Sharpe join the team.
Smith revealed on his podcast that ESPN executives are currently negotiating with the hall-of-fame tight end, who recently left Fox.
Smith assured listeners that the talks with Sharpe are official and not merely rumors.
“I want Shannon Sharpe on First Take and I am to get him,” said that show’s star, Stephen A. Smith on his podcast today, before revealing that ESPN brass are in negotiations with the hall-of-fame tight end who just recently left Fox.
“We are definitely talking to Shannon Sharpe,” Smith said. “The conversations are official, the reports have not been misnomers or misreports or anything like that. We are talking to him and I’m hopeful, very hopeful, very confident that ultimately we will be announcing sooner than later that he will be on First Take.”
He expressed hope and confidence that they would soon announce Sharpe’s addition to “First Take.”
While the final decision does not rest solely with Smith, he wanted to publicly express his support for Sharpe’s potential arrival.
The man @ShannonSharpe can pull up with a bottle of Hennessy for all I care.
I want him on First Take pic.twitter.com/FdL78bnGps
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) July 21, 2023
Recent reports have indicated that Sharpe may join ESPN, potentially in a full-time capacity, which would provide the morning show with a prominent NFL voice.
Shannon playfully responded to his potential future debate partner.
“Whatcha addressing on Fri?” wrote Sharpe on Twitter. “I’ve got some free time so feel free 2 FT me b4 my meetings.”
Whatcha addressing on Fri? I’ve got some free time so feel free 2 FT me b4 my meetings. ??????????????????????? https://t.co/D3fdEvJHTm
— shannon sharpe (@ShannonSharpe) July 19, 2023
Now we’re learning Skip Bayless is none too pleased about the latest developments with his former partner. According to a source that reached out to us, Skip is not a happy camper behind closed doors. He feels like Stephen A. Smith trying to poach Shannon Sharpe is just another move to one up him.
Despite the lack of confirmation or denial from ESPN or Sharpe, internet chatter also suggests that Skip Bayless may be discontented with a certain situation.
This assumption stems from a string of tweets Bayless shared in the past week, wherein he frequently acknowledges First Take and his role in its creation. One particular tweet on July 13th catches attention, as Bayless discloses real anecdotes about the inception of First Take (also known as The Undisputed) and the numerous instances where its existence hung in the balance.
Several days later, he made another tweet, this time providing a video link to the latest episode of the ‘Skip Bayless Show’.
In the tweet, he revealed intriguing insider stories about the origins of First Take (previously known as Undisputed). Some fans interpret these tweets as a sign of Bayless’ jealousy or frustration over Sharpe’s addition to First Take.
This may explain why he continuously tweets about a show he departed from seven years ago.
These fans also believe that Bayless aims to remind people of his integral role in establishing the show and its immense success during his tenure.
We’ll have to wait and see how all this plays out.
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