After seven years of working for the FS1 show Undisputed, Shannon Sharpe has elected to take his talents elsewhere. Now, he joins American television personality Stephen A. Smith on ESPN’s weekday morning sports debate show known as First Take.
"I RUN THIS SHOW." 👀@ShannonSharpe has arrived 🔥 pic.twitter.com/v9QS44wOca
— First Take (@FirstTake) September 4, 2023
For those who are fans of either and/or both Smith/Sharpe, a video like this is something we’ve come to expect from them. These two are outspoken, fiery, passionate individuals who also have a bit of a comedic side to them. However, now it is awesome to finally see the two join forces to make must-see television on ESPN.
Sharpe spoke about his decision to leave Undisputed on his weekly podcast series known as Club Shay Shay, referencing the final six months of his seven years at FS1 as a reason why he decided to leave. “For me, I cannot let six months ruin six and a half good years,” said Sharpe.
While Sharpe didn’t blatantly say it, his relationship with his former co-host from Undisputed Skip Bayless certainly played a role in his decision to join First Take. The two had a falling out after a few instances on live television went a little too far.
The most recent instance came when Bayless took a jab at Sharpe and his career as an NFL player when comparing his body of work to the likes of Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady (whom no one should be compared to). The relationship between the two was visibly strained for quite some time and Sharpe decided to move on.
Now, Sharpe and Smith are primed to make incredible content together when they debate weekly on ESPN’s First Take.
