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Sports debate’s most memorable sparring partners are getting back together. But it’s only for one day — for now.
Former partners Stephen A. Smith and Skip Bayless will appear together for the first time on ESPN since 2016 during Friday’s episode of “First Take.”
MORE: ‘Inside the NBA’ trolls Mike Vrabel-Dianna Russini drama in pre-game graphic
Front Office Sports first reported the reunion, which will occur on Friday, May 8. “First Take” airs at 10 a.m. ET weekdays on ESPN.
FOS reporter Michael McCarthy noted that the 58-year-old Smith is an executive producer on “First Take” and could dictate future appearances for Bayless.
“Don’t be surprised if this ‘one-time’ reunion with the 74-year-old Bayless turns into a recurring element of the show,” McCarthy wrote.
Smith and Bayless have a long history, with Smith famously referring to his partner as a “brother from another mother.”
While Smith’s star is shining far brighter now, he credits Bayless with saving his career. Back in 2009, ESPN let Smith go before Bayless added him as a guest debater on “First Take.” Smith became a full-time member of the show in 2012.
“No one has ever quite matched the chemistry that maybe God above gave us,” Bayless told Smith during the latter’s appearance on Bayless’ “The Arena” in February. “Can’t teach it, or coach it. It just worked, and it was entertaining, and enlightening. It was just fun.”
Bayless left the World Wide Leader in August 2016 to begin his own debate show, “Undisputed,” on Fox Sports 1. “Undisputed” was canceled in 2024. Bayless now shares his sports opinions on his own YouTube channel and on Underdog’s “The Arena: Gridiron.”
Meanwhile, Smith signed a five-year, $100 million contract extension with ESPN last year. He remains the leading voice in sports commentary.
Look for Smith to repay Bayless’ kindness and add his former partner to a regular rotation on “First Take.” Bayless is right about their chemistry. Like it or not, they started a brand of debate that has been widely copied but rarely duplicated.
Continue reading...
Former partners Stephen A. Smith and Skip Bayless will appear together for the first time on ESPN since 2016 during Friday’s episode of “First Take.”
MORE: ‘Inside the NBA’ trolls Mike Vrabel-Dianna Russini drama in pre-game graphic
Front Office Sports first reported the reunion, which will occur on Friday, May 8. “First Take” airs at 10 a.m. ET weekdays on ESPN.
FOS reporter Michael McCarthy noted that the 58-year-old Smith is an executive producer on “First Take” and could dictate future appearances for Bayless.
“Don’t be surprised if this ‘one-time’ reunion with the 74-year-old Bayless turns into a recurring element of the show,” McCarthy wrote.
‘Brother from another mother’
Smith and Bayless have a long history, with Smith famously referring to his partner as a “brother from another mother.”
While Smith’s star is shining far brighter now, he credits Bayless with saving his career. Back in 2009, ESPN let Smith go before Bayless added him as a guest debater on “First Take.” Smith became a full-time member of the show in 2012.
“No one has ever quite matched the chemistry that maybe God above gave us,” Bayless told Smith during the latter’s appearance on Bayless’ “The Arena” in February. “Can’t teach it, or coach it. It just worked, and it was entertaining, and enlightening. It was just fun.”
Bayless left the World Wide Leader in August 2016 to begin his own debate show, “Undisputed,” on Fox Sports 1. “Undisputed” was canceled in 2024. Bayless now shares his sports opinions on his own YouTube channel and on Underdog’s “The Arena: Gridiron.”
Meanwhile, Smith signed a five-year, $100 million contract extension with ESPN last year. He remains the leading voice in sports commentary.
What’s next?
Look for Smith to repay Bayless’ kindness and add his former partner to a regular rotation on “First Take.” Bayless is right about their chemistry. Like it or not, they started a brand of debate that has been widely copied but rarely duplicated.
Continue reading...
