Stephen A Smith breaks silence on Shannon Sharpe and ESPN First Take reunion

21 July 2023 , 23:10

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Stephen A. Smith is one of ESPN's most famous analysts, and wants Shannon Sharpe to join his team (Image: Justin Ford/Getty Images)

Stephen A. Smith has confirmed that ESPN are in talks to sign Shannon Sharpe for him to return First Take seven years after leaving.

Skip Bayless was the co-host with Smith on First Take for a number of years, but left in 2016 and asked Sharpe to join him in at FOX Sports - where they started a rival show 'UNDISPUTED'. The show was an instant hit and they would remain partners until June of this year, when Sharpe announced his intentions to leave.

And since becoming a free agent, Sharpe has been linked back to First Take to partner with Smith - something the latter has admitted he's very keen on - and has already spoken to his bosses and Sharpe himself, going on to state that he's hopeful.

Speaking on his own podcast, he said: "What I can tell is that the honchos are talking to Shannon Sharpe and that Stephen A Smith wants Shannon Sharpe on First Take."

He continued: “Make no mistake about it… I want Shannon Sharpe on First Take. And I aim to get him. We are definitely talking to Shannon Sharpe - the conversations are official. I am hopeful, very hopeful and very confident that he will be on First Take.”

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Sharpe has also been linked with a role with FanDuel - replacing Pat McAfee's show - who is set to join ESPN himself next month.

Numerous sources have now reported Sharpe has spoken to numerous suitors ahead of his next move, with him himself admitting that he'd like to work at First Take once again.

Shannon Sharpe left Skip Bayless' UNDISPUTED show in June

Sharpe told Front Office Sports : "If I’m on there this fall, that’ll be great. But if I’m not, I still have a platform where people can find me." Sharpe has also confirmed he will be making his announcement 'within the next 10 days'.

The NFL Hall of Famer left UNDISPUTED after numerous on-air debates with Bayless went a little too personal, with Sharpe becoming particularly upset on a few occasions. However, the two ended on good terms with Sharpe breaking down in tears in thanking Bayless.

Bayless' UNDISPUTED show is currently in hiatus as they search for a new co-host, with Seattle Seahawks legend Richard Sherman linked with the gig. Sharpe has a successful podcast, 'Club Shay Shay', boasting an impressive 1.2 million listeners on his social pages - which he has stated will be involved in his next deal wherever he signs.

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