Following Shannon Sharpe’s departure from FS1’s UNDISPUTED, rumors have been flying high about his potential replacements on the Skip Bayless starrer. On the other hand, people have been less curious about Sharpe’s next destination. After a hectic seven-year stint arguing with probably the most opinionated man in the NBA community, fans thought Unc Shay Shay was heading for a long vacation. The Hall-of-Famer tight end can surely afford to retire at this point in his career. However, recent developments have kickstarted rumors of Sharpe joining ESPN’s First Take as the sports media company makes headlines for laying off big name employees. Amidst all this, 7’1, 325 lbs Shaquille O’Neal decided to troll Stephen A. Smith’s sleeveless shirt after the ESPN host made a big Shannon Sharpe reveal.
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ESPN’s First Take is a widely watched sports analysis show across the country. However, fans have sensed a lack of flavor in the production of the show ever since Stephen A. Smith forced out Max Kellerman as his co-host of the program back in 2021. Smith admitted to suggesting Kellerman’s release from the show to the higher-ups, citing “chemistry” issues with the veteran analyst.
After Kellerman left the show, fans have felt the need of a strong, assertive co-host, who can challenge Smith’s take on a regular basis. Therefore, it’s no surprise that Smith has been on recruit mode since as early as last month.
Shaquille O’Neal trolls Stephen A. Smith for wearing a sleeveless shirt amidst major Shannon Sharpe announcement
Stephen A. Smith recently confirmed the rumors that First Take is looking to sign Shannon Sharpe as the co-host of the show. During a rant on The Stephen A. Smith Show, Smith declared, “…the honchos are talking to Shannon Sharpe…I want Shannon Sharpe on First Take and I aim to get him. We are definitely talking to Shannon Sharpe. The conversations are official.”
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The veteran NBA analyst added that he’s confident that he’ll soon announce Sharpe’s inclusion to First Take. As fans were still reeling from Smith’s announcement, NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal ended up trolling the ESPN host for his fashion choice. “If u dont put them little arms away,” Shaq wrote in the comment section of Stephen A. Smith’s Instagram post.
The 55-year-old NBA reporter refused to indulge in back and forth banter with the Lakers legend. In response to Shaq’s jibe, Smith graciously wrote, “@shaq thanks for watching The Stephen A. Smith Show my brother.”
Shaq comments on Stephen A's post pic.twitter.com/jx34UW2mdp
— tragicpatek (@tragicpatek) July 22, 2023
Smith was wearing a sleeveless white jumper, which was an unusual choice of clothing for him. Shaq’s call out seemed to amuse fans as many of them flooded the replies with laughing emojis. It’s uncertain whether Shaq just wanted to make a funny observation or was upset as a TNT analyst that ESPN is set to sign a talented host like Sharpe. Nevertheless, it remains to be seen if the three-time Super Bowl champion would be willing to sign with ESPN amidst the company’s record layoff spree.
Shannon Sharpe’s dramatic exit from Fox Sports
Shannon Sharpe’s brilliant counters against Skip Bayless’ mostly outlandish takes had become a staple on UNDISPUTED. Their battle on LeBron James’ claim to the GOAT title was particularly entertaining for fans of the show.
However, the duo’s talking points were becoming pretty repetitive gradually, with Skip’s biases becoming more obvious by the day. Meanwhile, the 71-year-old’s tweet complaining about the NFL postponing the Bills-Bengals game after Bills safety Damar Hamlin suffered a medical emergency on the pitch and was admitted to the hospital in critical condition, managed to upset Sharpe for obvious reasons.
Sharpe confronted Bayless on his tweet, which somewhat soured their dynamic. In the meantime, during a heated debate on Tom Brady’s retirement, Bayless ended up calling Sharpe jealous of the seven-time Super Bowl champion. The former Denver Broncos star didn’t take the personal attack lightly and became visibly upset with the whole situation. Sharpe announced his departure soon as Fox bought out his contract.
