It seems as though American television host Shannon Sharpe is still getting used to his new surroundings. Sharpe recently joined Stephen A. Smith as a co-host on ESPN’s sports debate show First Take, and after seven years of working with Skip Bayless at FS1, Sharpe has gotten used to saying Bayless’ name.
Shannon keeps calling Stephen A. Smith "Skip" 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/C4UHxQ4gqF
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) September 12, 2023
Sharpe continues to refer to Smith by his former co-host’s last name. It is clear that Sharpe is still adjusting to his new gig with his new teammate and is still working out the kinks. He gets visibly frustrated with himself on air, correcting himself and shouting "Stephen A. [Smith]" aloud.
Smith does his best to diffuse the situation and let Sharpe know he did nothing wrong. "It’s alright, it’s okay my man, it’s alright. Seven years bro, it’s okay."
After spending seven years with the same person, it can be difficult having to experience change. But Sharpe decided it was time for a change after experiencing what he did in the final six months of his seven-year tenure at FS1.
While Sharpe never got into specifics about what transpired in his last months with Bayless at FS1, it became abundantly clear their relationship had been tarnished. The two had several instances where their debates on FS1’s Undisputed had gone too far and become personal.
Whatever the reason may be for Sharpe’s departure from FS1, he and Stephen A. Smith are doing their best to work through the adjustment period.
