Laura Cavanaugh/FilmMagic
Despite Skip Bayless’ reported impending departure from FS1 and the daily debate-centric show Undisputed, a return to ESPN is not in the cards.
Speaking Friday night on his YouTube channel (h/t Michael McCarthy of Front Office Sports), ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, who is the star of First Take, shut down the possibility of Bayless returning to the show on a full-time basis or as a guest debater:
“Skip Bayless and Stephen A. Smith, together as partners, working across from each other on a debate show, is over. It’s been over,” Smith said. “This is not the first time I’ve said it. There’s no negativity or shade being shown at Skip Bayless. I have moved on.”
Bayless was an original member of the First Take crew beginning in 2007, and from 2012 to 2016, he and Smith were the stars of the show, making it one of the most popular programs in sports media.
When Bayless jumped ship to FS1 in 2016, he created Undisputed along with former Denver Broncos star and Pro Football Hall of Fame tight end Shannon Sharpe.
Sharpe left FS1 for ESPN last year, citing his belief that Bayless “had no respect” for him.
Smith and Sharpe have since enjoyed success as friendly rivals on First Take, and all signs point toward them continuing to be the key figures on the show moving forward.
Ryan Glasspiegel of the New York Post reported this week that Bayless is negotiating a buyout of his $8 million per year contract with FS1 and is expected to finish up on Undisputed this summer.
Prior to Smith confirming that Bayless won’t be returning to First Take, an ESPN spokesperson told McCarthy: “We are set with the current First Take rotation, and wish Skip the best on his future endeavors.”
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