Shannon Sharpe is a free agent -- and it looks like Stephen A. Smith and ESPN are making a strong pitch to acquire the star sports media personality.
Sharpe has reportedly been in talks with ESPN to become a “contributor” to The Walt Disney Co. (DIS) -) network, which would include joining the rotating cast of analysts who sit across from Smith on “First Take,” according to a report by Front Office Sports on Wednesday, July 19.
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The role would allow Sharpe, who left Fox Sports 1’s - FOX “Undisputed” last month, to continue other endeavors outside of ESPN while filling the role such as his “Club Shay Shay” podcast and appearances with FanDuel TV.
But FOS’ report noted that Sharpe and ESPN have yet to come to terms, especially as the Pro Football Hall of Famer has been in talks with other outlets as well.
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Smith took to Twitter hours after the report dropped saying he would be “addressing” all the things he needs to address, while quote tweeting a tweet related to Sharpe joining ESPN.
Look for me on Friday, Folks! I’ll be addressing all the things I need to address. Back on “The Stephen A. Smith Show” podcast on Friday — then LIVE on @FirstTake Monday morning. See y’all in a minute. Buckle Up!!! https://t.co/w4wHgLbUWQ
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) July 19, 2023
Sharpe responded a few hours later to stir the pot a little bit more,
“Whatcha addressing on Friday?” Sharpe said before asking Smith to FaceTime him.
Whatcha addressing on Fri? I’ve got some free time so feel free 2 FT me b4 my meetings. 🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿 https://t.co/D3fdEvJHTm
— shannon sharpe (@ShannonSharpe) July 19, 2023
Smith had said on his podcast “The Stephen A. Show” in early June that he would “support” the decision for Sharpe to join his rotating cast of guest analysts on “First Take.”
“If Shannon Sharpe wants to join that roster, there’s no resistance from Stephen A.,” Smith said.
Some fans in the replies have been going crazy at the thought of the two sports media personalities linking up, with one comparing it to when Kevin Durant joined Stephen Curry on the Golden State Warriors.
Shannon Sharpe and Stephen A link up in sports media 👀
— Dennis (@dennis_k_g) July 19, 2023
pic.twitter.com/71K47q090R
Former NFL Quarterback turned ESPN analyst Robert Griffin III also took a shot at Skip Bayless by posting a meme joking about Bayless’ reaction to the news.
Skip right now pic.twitter.com/O0r60q6xeF
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) July 19, 2023
