Following a recent report connecting Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe to ESPN’s First Take, Stephen A. Smith wishes to clarify the situation.
The New York Post’s Andrew Marchand and Ryan Glasspiegel reported on Thursday that Sharpe would be joining Smith on the show’s debate desk on Mondays and Tuesdays during the football season.
However, Smith deemed the report “a bit premature” on The Stephen A. Smith Show.
Smith expressed confidence that the move would eventually happen but stated that Sharpe has not yet signed a contract.
“Sorry Andrew Marchand of the New York Post, it’s a bit premature,” he said. “Shannon Sharpe has yet to sign on the dotted line to be a member of First Take. It has not happened yet.
“I’m still confident it will happen. I still believe it will happen. I think it needs to happen. And I have no doubt I’m going to exhaust any means I have available to me to make it happen.”
Addressing the recent @ShannonSharpe “news” pic.twitter.com/eVe266Ps9d
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) August 18, 2023
Sharpe, famously known for his time as a star tight end in the NFL, previously worked alongside Skip Bayless on FS1’s Undisputed but left the show after the NBA Finals in June. Throughout his football career, Sharpe played 14 seasons for the Denver Broncos and Baltimore Ravens, with the majority of his time spent with the AFC West team.
He achieved great success, with three Super Bowl titles, four First Team All-Pro selections, and eight Pro Bowl appearances. Sharpe is widely regarded as one of the best tight ends in NFL history, finishing his career with impressive statistics of 815 catches for 10,060 yards and 62 touchdowns.
He exceeded 1,000 receiving yards in three different seasons and recorded double-digit touchdown catches in two.
In his post-football career, Sharpe has become renowned as an opinionated sports analyst, adept at engaging in lively debates on morning shows. He has previously clashed with Bayless on Undisputed and now hosts the Club Shay Shay podcast.
If a deal is finalized, Sharpe would join Smith on one of ESPN’s most prestigious shows, where he would undoubtedly be given the opportunity to discuss and debate the hottest NFL topics each week. This format will be familiar to Sharpe, given his experience on Undisputed alongside Bayless, who had previously engaged in debates with Smith on ESPN before transitioning to FS1.
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.