‘Skip’s not doing well anymore’: Shannon Sharpe bounces back from Fallout with Skip Bayless, Inks’ multi-year deal with ESPN after viral interview with Katt Williams

A yr after FS1’s “Undisputed” emotional split with polarizing media personality Skip Bayless, who he said had “no respect for him,” things are looking up for Shannon Sharpe and his recent home at ESPN.

Sharpe made his debut on ESPN’s “First Take” on September 4, 2023, after leaving “Undisputed” in June of this yr. Sharpe and Bayless have had some controversial moments during their seven-year tenure, however the three-time Super Bowl champion’s first nine months at ESPN seem like a hit because the network is now rewarding him with an expanded multi-year contract. They say even Bob Iger, CEO of Disney, ESPN’s parent company, has gotten involved in retaining Sharpe and expanding his role. Hollywood reporter.

The recent deal is predicted to offer Sharpe a broader presence on ESPN’s long-running morning show “First Take” and may even appear on the network’s other programs across various platforms, including Athlete reported. Details regarding his performance schedule are expected to be announced at a later date.

“It has been a blessing to be a part of this family,” Sharpe said in an announcement. “Everything about ESPN, Stephen A. and First Take has been amazing. I’m looking forward to expanding my role and showing more of the world what I have to offer. The show goes on!”

The full terms of Sharpe’s deal were not disclosed, but some fans reacted on social media shortly after news broke of the previous NFL star’s increased role on the network.

“Uncle earns money” – one other said the fan.

“Perfect, he’s one of the few great analysts they have,” one other social media user decided.

“This is the reason Skip and his podcast are no longer doing well,” an wrote on Twitter User X. “The numbers say that the first shot is better without Skip, and it is indisputable that the first shot is the worst without Shay.”

However, some fans miss Skip and Shannon as a duo.

“Shannon Sharpe was better in ‘Undisputed’ than in ‘First Take,'” one fan wrote on Twitter.

“Shannon and Skip are the best combination. It was like a comedy show, very similar to the NBA on TNT crew.” “Shannon and SAS simply feel forced,” it said on Twitter other.

Sharpe currently appears on First Take twice every week alongside outspoken sportscaster and podcast host Stephen A. Smith and a rotating panel of co-hosts.

Sharpe also hosts his own podcast, “Club Shay Shay,” where he interviews celebrities weekly, as well because the late-night show “Nightcap” with Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson and Gilbert Arenas.

In January 2024, Sharpe sat down with comedian Katt Williams for an episode of his podcast “Club Shay Shay.” The interview went viral, reaching over 70 million views in June. The interview sparked countless memes and conversations about Hollywood culture.

On an episode of Sharpe’s “Nightcap,” he made it clear how he benefited from the interview.

“I just got my check. So whatever you think that I did, three X’s are. So for those who think I made 500,000, three X’s are it. If you think that I made 1,000,000, thrice that. If you think that I made two million, that is three Xs,” Sharpe said.

Sharpe said the Williams interview prompted Iger to achieve out to him personally to discuss his future with the corporate, the Pro Football Hall of Famer said Hollywood reporter in May.

ESPN management described Sharpe as an “incredible addition” to the team.

“Shannon Sharpe is an incredible addition to the First Take team, elevating the show’s momentum with her engaging presence and insightful commentary,” David Roberts, ESPN’s head of event production and studios, said in an announcement. “Shannon’s chemistry with Stephen A. Smith elevated our debates and was another key reason why First Take is the premier destination for morning sports discussions.”