Shannon Sharpe 'big loss' for 'Undisputed'
Stephen A. Smith has officially weighed in on Shannon Sharpe’s impending departure from FS1.
The Post first reported Wednesday that Sharpe and Fox Sports reached a buyout, signaling Sharpe’s breakup with Skip Bayless after nearly seven years of hosting “Undisputed” together.
Smith, who previously worked with Bayless at ESPN, reacted to the news on his FanDuel podcast and provided a welcome mat for Sharpe to join the analyst rotation on “First Take.”
Smith started the discussion by saying that he won’t speak against Bayless, who was instrumental in salvaging Smith’s career by fighting for him to be the permanent partner on “First Take,” before discussing Sharpe.
“When news was announced that Shannon Sharpe had been bought out of FS1 and he would be leaving at the conclusion of the NBA Finals, there were two things that came to my mind,” Smith said.
“That’s a big loss for the show ‘Undisputed’ because Shannon matters, and that I don’t know what his plans are, I don’t know what he’s trying to pursue, I don’t know what he’s after, but if Shannon Sharpe needs me, then I’m happy to be here for him. And if that includes him wanting to come on ‘First Take,’ the bosses know that is something I would support.”
Smith said it would not be an everyday partnership with Sharpe, but he would welcome him in the weekly rotation that also includes the likes of Michael Irvin, Keyshawn Johnson, Marcus Spears, Ryan Clark, Dan Orlovsky and Damien Woody.
“I’m telling you right here: If Shannon Sharpe wanted to join that roster, there’s no resistance from Stephen A. I’ve got love for Shannon Sharpe,” Smith said.
Stephen A. Smith said that Shannon Sharpe is a “big loss” for FS1’s “Undisputed” and welcomed the idea of Sharpe joining the rotation on “First Take.” NBAE via Getty Images
Shannon Sharpe’s breakup with Fox Sports 1’s “Undisputed” is imminent. Fox Sports
Smith said he was “not at all surprised” that Sharpe is leaving “Undisputed,” given the on-air friction Sharpe had with Bayless over Damar Hamlin.
He said he hasn’t spoken to Sharpe or Bayless about the moment, but when he saw the blow-up, he thought that “this is over.”
Smith also mentioned that he and Sharpe have agreed to home-and-home podcast appearances on Sharpe’s “Club Shay Shay” podcast and Smith’s digital show.
Source: New York Post
