Since Shannon Sharpe left Fox Sports 1’s “Undisputed” in May, speculation has increased about his possible transfer to ESPN’s “First Take” alongside Stephen A. Smith. Reports indicate that Sharpe will begin appearing on “First Take” on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Sharpe’s debut on the program has not yet been announced, although he is expected to be a recurring character during the 2017 football season. This is a big change for Sharpe, as it could be the beginning of a new era in his broadcasting career.
Shannon Sharpe set to join ESPN’s ‘First Take’ with Stephen A. Smith
During the upcoming football season, former NFL tight end Shannon Sharpe is expected to return to television by appearing on ESPN’s “First Take” on Mondays and Tuesdays. Sharpe, who left FS1’s “Undisputed” in June, could be seen debating Stephen A. Smith at the start of the 2017 NFL season when he is rumored to make his debut.
Smith had previously indicated an interest in having Sharpe join ESPN following his departure from FS1. This reallocation of resources appears to be in line with ESPN’s new emphasis on programming quality rather than quantity.
𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴: Shannon Sharpe is joining First Take with Stephen A. Smith, per @sportsrapport and @AndrewMarchandhttps://t.co/pyq1KTbnQf
Shannon Sharpe will debate Stephen A. Smith on Mondays and Tuesdays on the ESPN on 'First Take', per the New York Post.
More here:… pic.twitter.com/ky2c0pRsyp
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) August 17, 2023
The presenter of “Undisputed,” Skip Bayless, has lately announced changes to the show, such as bringing on rapper Lil Wayne as a regular guest and introducing Richard Sherman as his new debate partner. Sharpe’s return to “First Take” is somewhat of a complete circle, since he was a guest on the show before being convinced of his qualifications for the post by Bayless and former FS1 executive Jamie Horowitz.
In addition, Sharpe seems to be aggressively pursuing collaborations with streaming services for his widely listened-to “Club Shay Shay” program. Pat McAfee, a new face at ESPN, may join Smith and Sharpe in their potential future work together.
NBA community reacts to Shannon Sharpe to join ESPN’s ‘First Take’
The NBA fanbase has spoken out against Shannon Sharpe’s choice to co-host ESPN’s “First Take” with Stephen A. Smith. Given the tensions between Bayless and Smith, many people find it amusing that Sharpe, who could have gone his own way by, for example, funding his own podcast or pitching his own program, has instead opted to compete with Bayless.
This action hints that Sharpe and Smith will probably have many fights throughout the episode. While opinions are divided, there is palpable excitement in the sports media about this unlikely pairing.
Here are some of the reactions:
Stephen A Smith and Shannon Sharpe on First Take 😂
— Randy Cruz (@randyjcruz) August 17, 2023
Stephen A Smith & Shannon Sharpe 📈 pic.twitter.com/ltlPfAPhAq
— AuxGod (@AuxGod_) August 17, 2023
Sharpe and smith together ganna be like this: pic.twitter.com/xnQ7NcGpU9
— A (@twan1021) August 18, 2023
Who can get the loudest word in 😂
— IG: 🎧 itzdruski🎙🔊 (@DruskiSelfMade) August 17, 2023
Stephen A. Smith reveals Shannon Sharpe joining ESPN’s ‘First Take’ is not official yet
The news that Shannon Sharpe may be joining ESPN’s “First Take” was met with shock and dismay when Stephen A. Smith broke the news on his YouTube show that, despite rumors to the contrary, Sharpe had not yet signed a contract to co-host the show.
Smith elucidated, “Shannon Sharpe has not signed the dotted line to become a member of First Take at this time. It has not occurred at this time. Despite this information, Smith is still certain that the purchase will go through, saying, “I have no doubt that I’m going to exhaust any means available to me to make it happen.”
Addressing the recent @ShannonSharpe “news” pic.twitter.com/eVe266Ps9d
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) August 18, 2023
Smith’s interest in signing the Hall of Famer to ESPN has been clear ever since Sharpe left Fox Sports. Smith has previously shown his high regard for Sharpe, calling him a “tremendous asset to the show.” While Smith’s disclosure dampened some of the enthusiasm, there seems to be a genuine interest in seeing what role Sharpe may play on “First Take” if he is still available.
