Stephen A. Smith and Shannon Sharpe have both had their differences with their former Skip Bayless, but both took time to share some love for their former colleague.
Smith joined Sharpe on his podcast “Club Shay Shay” on Sept. 1 and discussed what they thought about Bayless, who worked with Smith on ESPN’s “First Take” before moving to FS1 and partnering up with Sharpe on “Undisputed.”
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“No matter how problematic he can be, the reality is that I wouldn’t be where I am today if he didn’t give me that opportunity on ‘First Take,’” Smith said. “For me to insult him in any way is just disrespectful.”
Smith was referring to Bayless recruiting him to “First Take” in 2012, where Smith has been ever since returning to ESPN after he and the company parted ways for two years.
Smith recognized that he and Bayless haven’t always seen eye-to-eye, confirming many reports that the two were not the best of friends while working together on ESPN. But Smith admitted that came with Bayless’ personality, one that has allowed him to succeed in his career.
“Skip’s a different beast,” Smith said. “There are highs and lows that come with him. He knows that.”
Smith described some unique behavior that Bayless has done in the past, claiming he would eat the same meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and that he introduced himself to his now-wife by telling her that she would “never be more important” than his job.
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Sharpe -- who left Bayless and Fs1 in mid-June because of what many, including Smith, believe stemmed from an incident from January -- also showed appreciation for his former colleague.
“I cannot let six months ruin six and a half good years,” Sharpe said. “Because sometimes people are willing to throw everything away for one mistake or one bad comment.”
Sharpe and Smith are now together on “First Take,” and the former makes his debut on Monday, Sept. 4.
On the other side, Bayless unveiled his new “dream team” which includes a few of Smith’s former “First Take” guests Michael Irvin and Keyshawn Johnson.
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