A bombshell dropped in the sports media world when it was recently revealed that Skip Bayless will soon be leaving FOX Sports.
The controversial host of FS1’s ‘Undisputed,’ is set to leave the network later this summer.
While many are wondering where Bayless will be headed to, ESPN has already made it clear that they have no interest in bringing him back.
Bayless, who became a household name during his time on ESPN’s ‘First Take’ from 2007-2016 alongside Stephen A. Smith, will be a free agent soon.
“We are set with the current ‘First Take’ rotation, and wish Skip the best on his future endeavors,” an ESPN spokesperson told Front Office Sports.
Time will tell if that same spokesperson will be making any comments about Pat McAfee who took another shot at the network for their highly-controversial “top-100 athletes of the century” list.
“Now, there is a top-100 list that’s coming out from ESPN people, and I’ll tell you what, it is the epitome of everything that everybody hates about ESPN,” McAfee said.
“What they chose to do in ranking the top-100 athletes from the 21st century, they only gave us 51-100 yesterday; what a sh*t show. What an absolutely terrible list.”
(Of course, the fact that McAfee’s show airs on ESPN is what makes his statement so hilarious.)
Bayless’ upcoming departure from FOX Sports will mark the end of an eight-year tenure at the network.
This follows a year after his long-time co-host Shannon Sharpe left FOX Sports to join ESPN.
Since Sharpe’s exit in May 2023, ‘Undisputed’ has featured a rotating panel of co-hosts including Keyshawn Johnson, Michael Irvin, Paul Pierce, and Rachel Nichols.
Despite its challenges with ratings, ‘Undisputed’ is expected to continue airing after Bayless leaves.
Bayless and Sharpe’s partnership on ‘Undisputed’ was marked by increasing tension, culminating in Sharpe’s departure.
A significant incident occurred in January 2023 when Bayless faced backlash for a social media post regarding NFL player Damar Hamlin’s on-field cardiac arrest, where Bayless questioned the postponement of the game due to its significance to the season’s outcome.
In a later episode of the ‘Stephen A. Smith Show,’ Sharpe reflected on their relationship, citing Bayless’ remarks about Sharpe’s feelings towards Tom Brady as a breaking point.
“I felt in that moment he [Skip Bayless] had lost all respect for me, he had no respect for me,” Sharpe said.
As Bayless prepares to leave FOX Sports, there is speculation about the future of other high-profile figures at the network.
Colin Cowherd, another prominent former ESPN personality now with FOX Sports, could also become a free agent next year as his contract nears its end.
What are your thoughts on Bayless leaving FOX Sports?
While he certainly has his supporters, it seems like most people can’t stand him … How do you feel about him?
At the end of the day, where do you think he will end up? … Or do you simply not give a crap???