Stephen A. Smith recently revealed that the real reason he and Skip Bayless are no longer on speaking terms isn’t just the fallout from the Shannon Sharpe situation. It stems from a lack of connection, and Bayless’ refusal to return his calls, Smith insisted, adding that, despite past disagreements with people, he still picks up their calls.
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Smith acknowledges that it was Bayless’ right not to answer his call during the Shannon fiasco. He isn’t angry about it. However, he believes Skip must now live with the consequences of his actions. Marcellus Wiley, while weighing in on Smith’s comments, couldn’t resist taking a jab at him, particularly SAS’ admission that he always picks up calls from others despite tiffs.
Wiley said that, conflict or no conflict, he would never call Smith.
“I don’t care what, I ain’t calling you. I know you ain’t got no problem with me though but I still ain’t calling you,” said Marcellus.
Wiley’s disinterest in calling Stephen A. could be coming from his past as co-host of Speak for Yourself alongside Jason Whitlock, who happens to be one of the few people SAS openly despises. Smith once went so far as to call Jason the “devil reincarnate”.
The Real Reason Stephen A. Smith & Skip Bayless Stopped Speaking 👀 | Behind the Beefhttps://t.co/O1UiUcjnCI
— Marcellus Wiley (@marcelluswiley) December 28, 2024
Smith and Bayless were once inseparable on ESPN’s First Take, forming one of the most iconic duos in sports media. Today, however, the two aren’t even on speaking terms. While SAS has revealed why they don’t talk to each other, many believe there is more to the feud.
The rift began when Skip left ESPN for FS1, but tensions escalated after Bayless made controversial remarks about Sharpe’s playing career during their time together on Undisputed. Those comments ultimately led to Sharpe’s departure from the show. It had sparked backlash across the sports world at the time.
Stephen A. openly criticized Bayless for his remarks and even tried to call him to express his disapproval. However, Skip did not answer and never returned his calls.
Nowadays, Smith is a star, an ESPN MVP in sports media. Skip, on the other hand, left FS1 or was rather pushed out to pasture. He has since diverted all his energies to his podcast, The Skip Bayless Show.
