In response to latest experiences, sports activities columnist and commentator Skip Bayless is about to depart from FS1 after spending eight years with the community because the co-host of Undisputed. Whereas this has led some folks to invest whether or not he was fired from the present, that’s not the case in keeping with accessible data.
Right here is why Skip Bayless is leaving FS1.
Skip Bayless’ FS1 contract is ending
Bayless is reportedly exiting FS1 and Undisputed as a result of his contract with the community is coming to an finish.
The New York Publish reported on Bayless’ departure on Monday, July 15, and reached out to him for remark. Nonetheless, he despatched them to Fox Sports activities PR, however additionally they didn’t present a response to the queries. The veteran sports activities journalist will stay on air on FS1 till later in the summertime this 12 months.
Again in 2021, Bayless signed a four-year $32 million contract with Fox after ESPN’s efforts to restart his collaboration with Stephen A. Smith didn’t finish with a constructive final result. Bayless served as an analyst on ESPN2’s First Take from 2007 to 2016, with Smith becoming a member of him in 2012.
Bayless’ former Undisputed co-host, Shannon Sharpe, left the present in 2023, about seven years after the collection debuted on FS1. Undisputed then went on a hiatus that lasted a few months earlier than returning and introducing a brand new model through which a rotating group of panelists appeared alongside Bayless. Nonetheless, in keeping with the New York Publish, the viewers response to this has been lower than stellar.
Because the experiences of Bayless’ departure started circulating, there have been speculations concerning the prospect of his return to ESPN. Nonetheless, as reported by Bleacher Report, an ESPN spokesperson clarified to Michael McCarthy of Entrance Workplace Sports activities that Bayless wouldn’t rejoin First Take. “We’re set with the present First Take rotation, and want Skip the perfect on his future endeavors,” they stated.
Smith echoed the sentiment whereas addressing the difficulty on his YouTube channel. “Skip Bayless and Stephen A. Smith, collectively as companions, working throughout from one another on a debate present, is over. It’s been over,” he stated. “This isn’t the primary time I’ve stated it. There’s no negativity or shade being proven at Skip Bayless. I’ve moved on.”
Regardless of Bayless’ departure, Undisputed will possible proceed to air on FS1.
