ESPN's Door Still Open for Shannon Sharpe: A Reunion Possible?
The door at ESPN still appears open for NFL Hall of Famer and media personality Shannon Sharpe to return to the network, according to him, as revealed in an interview with Front Office Sports. The possibility of a reunion with Stephen A. Smith on First Take was discussed by Sharpe, who was removed from the show over a year ago following a public fallout.
Sharpe's departure from Fox Sports' Undisputed was marked by a disagreement with co-host Skip Bayless and he eventually left to join First Take with Smith. The pairing brought new energy to the show, thanks to Sharpe's unique blend of experience as a former professional football player and his vibrant personality. However, the momentum Sharpe had built up in sports media was disrupted when an ex-girlfriend filed a $50 million lawsuit against him, alleging various instances of infidelity and inappropriate behavior.
After settling the lawsuit, Sharpe lost his job at ESPN, but he has not closed the door on returning to the network. In fact, he expressed willingness to rejoin First Take if called upon by management, citing impressive viewership numbers for both Nightcap (his solo show) and Club Shay Shay with Smith. These shows have consistently ranked in the Top 20 of YouTube.
Sharpe also highlighted his appreciation for Stephen A. Smith's unwavering support throughout his struggles, a significant factor in his interest in returning to ESPN. He acknowledged that he initially did not know Smith well but has come to appreciate his kindness and loyalty after they started working together on First Take.
With the network seemingly open to re-engaging Sharpe, fans of both him and Smith can hold out hope for a reunion at First Take.
The door at ESPN still appears open for NFL Hall of Famer and media personality Shannon Sharpe to return to the network, according to him, as revealed in an interview with Front Office Sports. The possibility of a reunion with Stephen A. Smith on First Take was discussed by Sharpe, who was removed from the show over a year ago following a public fallout.
Sharpe's departure from Fox Sports' Undisputed was marked by a disagreement with co-host Skip Bayless and he eventually left to join First Take with Smith. The pairing brought new energy to the show, thanks to Sharpe's unique blend of experience as a former professional football player and his vibrant personality. However, the momentum Sharpe had built up in sports media was disrupted when an ex-girlfriend filed a $50 million lawsuit against him, alleging various instances of infidelity and inappropriate behavior.
After settling the lawsuit, Sharpe lost his job at ESPN, but he has not closed the door on returning to the network. In fact, he expressed willingness to rejoin First Take if called upon by management, citing impressive viewership numbers for both Nightcap (his solo show) and Club Shay Shay with Smith. These shows have consistently ranked in the Top 20 of YouTube.
Sharpe also highlighted his appreciation for Stephen A. Smith's unwavering support throughout his struggles, a significant factor in his interest in returning to ESPN. He acknowledged that he initially did not know Smith well but has come to appreciate his kindness and loyalty after they started working together on First Take.
With the network seemingly open to re-engaging Sharpe, fans of both him and Smith can hold out hope for a reunion at First Take.
, I'm like super hyped about this news!!! Shannon Sharpe being considered for a return to ESPN is like a dream come true! 
I mean, the guy's got so much experience in the sports media game and his chemistry with Stephen A. Smith on First Take was always fire 
. And let's be real, his solo shows Nightcap and Club Shay Shay are killing it on YouTube 
. Plus, Sharpe's all about that growth and redemption after dealing with some tough stuff last year 
. If ESPN is really open to having him back, we should totally be excited! 
he had major drama last year with his ex who filed a 50 mil lawsuit against him and he settled without admitting to anything lol what's the point of having high viewership numbers if you're gonna have skeletons in your closet? 
still though, it'd be awesome to see sharpe back on first take with steph a 
, but like, only if they promise to give him an actual say in what he's saying on air 
, 'cause that public fallout thing was super messy 
. I mean, 50 million dollars is a lot of cash 
, and I guess it's no wonder he's all about getting back in the game 
.
I'm torn... is it possible for them to work together like they used to without, you know, all the yelling and stuff? 
Or maybe we should just give both of them their own shows on ESPN instead? 
. Shannon Sharpe's comeback story is still going strong, right? He's been doing well on his solo shows and still has that magic with Stephen A. on Club Shay Shay. I think ESPN's door hasn't closed on him entirely... yet 
. It'll be interesting to see if they're gonna take him back, considering how much he brings to the table. His honesty about wanting to return is admirable, especially after everything he went through last year 
. And let's be real, his reunion with Stephen A. would bring a whole new level of energy to First Take 
... his shows with Stephen A are always lit 
... maybe they're waiting for more updates about the lawsuit drama? 
and if they can make it work, it'll be amazing to see them go head to head together again 
The network must see how much he's still bringing to the table if they're not already sniffing around. Can you imagine it? Sharpe and Smith back together again, taking on all comers on First Take! 