Shannon Sharpe to Join ESPN’s ‘First Take’ for NFL Season

Stephen A. Smith has a new debate partner. The NY Post reports former FS1 personality Shannon Sharpe will be headed to ESPN to take on Stephen A. on Mondays and Tuesdays during the NFL season. Sharpe comes over after ending his partnership with Smith’s former co-host Skip Bayless.

Sharpe is also expected to have a new home for his Club Shay Shay podcast. ESPN has not offered a comment.

At the end of the June 13 episode of Undisputed, Sharpe thanked all of the team members for FS1 and tearfully spoke highly of his time with Skip Bayless.

“Skip Bayless. You fought for me, brother. I’m here because of you. You’ve allowed me to share the stage with you. You’ve allowed me to share the platform. I’m going to cry in the car, but I’m not going to cry now. The opportunity that you gave me, to become what I became, I’m forever indebted to you. I’ll never forget what you did for me. You’ve helped me grow more than you’ll ever know. One more thing before you go, Skip. One more thing. All I ask, is when you lay your head of that pillow at night, know I gave you everything I had. I gave you everything I had.”

– Shannon Sharpe