NFL Hall of Famer and media personality Shannon Sharpe addressed a potential reunion with Stephen A. Smith at ESPN on First Take after being removed by the network more than a year ago.
Sharpe left Fox Sports’ Undisputed with Skip Bayless after six years of work following a public fallout between the pair.
He ended up taking a contract buyout, eventually moving over to ESPN and joining First Take with Smith.
Sharpe saw considerable success at ESPN, bringing his unique experience as a former professional football player and his energetic, eccentric personality, which gave the show new life.
His momentum in sports media was deterred after a $50 million lawsuit was filed by an ex-girlfriend in April, which led to all kinds of sexual, lewd details being shared.
He eventually settled the lawsuit, but the damage was already done, and ESPN cut ties with Sharpe in July.
However, in an interview with Front Office Sports, Sharpe revealed his level of interest in returning to ESPN, months after being removed from the network.
“That’s not my call. I would love to go back if they were to call. Burke [Magnus], Jimmy [Pitaro], Dave Roberts. That is their call. But obviously, I’m more than willing, I’m more than capable. They see what we do here on Nightcap. They see the numbers that we generate, “ Sharpe said.
“Club Shay Shay was in the Top 10 this weekend on YouTube. Both of our shows are normally in the Top 20. Very few people can say they have a Top 20 show. We normally, customarily have two shows in the Top 20 on YouTube. So clearly, I still have a fan base. I still have a big following. If a reunion is in order, I’m amenable to it.”
Why would Shannon Sharpe get back on ESPN?
According to Sharpe, Smith’s support is a major reason for his interest in returning to ESPN, despite how things ended.
“Stephen A. never left my side. We still talk. We probably talk more now than we did when I was actually on the show. He’s been great. He’s always been in my corner,” Sharpe said.
“I didn’t know Stephen A. that well. We knew each other casually in passing,” he said. “Until I really started working on the show.
“Then this past year, obviously, with what happened, he’s been there every step of the way. ‘You need anything? He always texts me. Hey, I’m free, I’m about to call you.’ He’ll call, he’ll touch base to make sure everything was OK, and tell me to keep my head up.
“He’s just been great. I think he gets a bad rap. People see him on First Take, and they have his takes. He’s really, truly a great man.”
