The dreaded day that many in the NFL circles knew was coming, is finally here. Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe has decided to leave ‘Undisputed’, one of the most iconic shows covering the NFL and NBA today. While this was something many predicted would happen, it is still shocking to see Sharpe leave veteran analyst Skip Bayless after almost 7 years of debating.
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Though neither Sharpe nor Fox Sports have released an official announcement, sources tell the NY Post that both parties have agreed for Sharpe to buy out of his existing contract. Along with him, his podcast, ‘Club Shay Shay’, will also leave the network. Though, why is Sharpe going? What is the reason for Sharpe to abandon what is considered to be one of the most entertaining sports debate shows?
Bayless hints mocks Sharpe’s buyout attempt on air
Thursday’s Undisputed episode was a rather quiet one, considering the noise levels both the panelists are capable of. However, there was still no dearth of indirect shots and mocking. While debating about the NBA finals between the Denver Nuggets and the Miami Heat, Bayless went on to promote his “loyalty” to the Heat, while criticizing Sharpe for trying to “buy out” of supporting the Nuggets.
Shannon Sharpe out here throwing hints.. 🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/QswzLPm0SB
— Ohthat’s_ Da Truth (@Blacki3_15H) June 2, 2023
“I do like the Heat tonight, that’s what I’m saying,” Bayless said on the show. ” I’m hanging in, as opposed to other people on the show… You already gave up after three games. You waved the white flag and the blue flag and the green flag and the yellow flag”. To which, Sharpe responded, “I tried to buy out, you like, ‘No. You got to suffer'”.
Sharpe is reportedly set to leave the show after the NBA finals are done. While no party has explicitly stated the reasons for this departure, Sharpe has been going around Twitter and leaving hints for fans to pick up on. He is doing this by liking Tweets that talk about why Sharpe and Bayless are falling out. It seems Sharpe is not ready to start another fight with Bayless before he leaves the show for good.
Shannon Sharpe and Skip Bayless have been on bad terms for a while
Though their relationship has been deteriorating for the past few years, it all started tumbling downhill after Bills’ safety Damar Hamlin collapsed on the gridiron late last season. Bayless tweeted asking about the status of the game, while Hamlin was still being treated which did not go down well with many. Including Shannon Sharpe, who decided not to show up for the next day’s show as a sign of protest.
When Sharpe eventually turned up a day later, the duo immediately had a falling out about Bayless’ Tweet. While Sharpe said through his monologue that he was hoping Bayless would take down the tweet, Bayless was in no mood to comply. Instead, he interrupted Sharpe’s monologue and continued his with his rant. Sharpe was left disgusted and was clearly disappointed at Bayless’ tactics to justify himself.
Things took an ugly turn when Bayless started taking personal shots at Sharpe on air. One such instance included Bayless taking shots at Sharpe to defend Tom Brady. All because Sharpe criticized Brady for having a bad season. That argument set the tone for a breakup, and within 6 months, Sharpe is buying out. The question is, who will replace Sharpe? And where will the beloved Unc go next?
