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The Street
The Street
Colin Salao

Skip Bayless returns to Fox, introduces his new 'dream team'

Skip Bayless and FS1’s “Undisputed” are back, and his new debate crew is around already.

Bayless kicked off the first episode of “Undisputed” in two months by introducing the members of his “dream team,” which includes three former NFL stars in Richard Sherman, Keyshawn Johnson, and Michael Irvin.

“This is the greatest morning of my career!” Bayless said. “This is about to be the greatest show I’ve ever been a part of.”

DON’T MISS: Shannon Sharpe's departure has put Fox, Skip Bayless in a bind

The trio serve as the replacements for Shannon Sharpe, who left “Undisputed” after the conclusion of the 2023 NBA Finals in mid-June. Sharpe made two massive announcements last week -- joining Stephen A. Smith as a bi-weekly debate partner on ESPN’s “First Take” and bringing his podcast “Club Shay Shay” over to Colin Cowherd’s media company The Volume.

There had been several reports about the members of Bayless’ new broadcasting crew, but Bayless first announced it on social media last week. Johnson’s role was also reportedly at risk due to his layoff from ESPN, but he reached a buyout with his former employer last week that has allowed him to join Fox (FOXA) -).

Johnson made a light jab at the contract dispute with ESPN during his “Undisputed” introduction after Bayless mentioned that he “fought” to have all three men as his next partners.

“It was a fight, it wasn’t easy that’s for sure,” Johnson said to some laughs from the crew.

More Fox:

Lil Wayne is also expected to join Bayless on the show, and the show led off with a new intro song made by the rapper.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 25: (L-R) Skip Bayless and Lil Wayne attend Lil Wayne's 40th Birthday at The Nice Guy on September 25, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jerritt Clark/Getty Images for The Goldwing Group )

Jerritt Clark/Getty Images

While Bayless seemed enthusiastic about having his new trio on the show, a report from Front Office Sports says many within Fox are skeptical about “Undisputed” copying the format of rotating debate partners that “First Take” has done with Smith.


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