Any thoughts of ESPN bringing back enigmatic sports commentator Skip Bayless were quickly snuffed out when the network issued a terse statement essentially saying ‘no thanks.’
Bayless, as reported previously, is out as the host of Undisputed after an eight-year run with Fox Sports 1.
The decision for Bayless to part ways with FS1 was reportedly mutual, and his last show is expected to be later this summer. The news comes a year after one of the program’s mainstays, Shannon Sharpe, also departed.
The show took a couple of months off after Sharpe left and struggled to find ratings with Bayless and a rotating cast of guests once it returned. Average numbers earlier this year saw less than 50,000 viewers per episode.
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Skip’s History With ESPN
With news of his departure from FS1, some speculated about possible openings for Skip Bayless to return to ESPN. The network, after all, helped make him a household name in the sports commentary world.
Bayless joined ESPN in 2004 after a successful career as a sports columnist. He became a regular on the network’s popular show First Take, where he engaged in lively debates with co-host Stephen A. Smith.
His time at ESPN was marked by his outspoken opinions and an ability to generate buzz and ratings for the network.
That tactic is essentially a staple for network hosts. Smith, and Colin Cowherd when he was there, provide commentary based on the hope of getting a reaction. It’s not intelligent analysis by any stretch.
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ESPN Says Skip Bayless Isn’t Coming Back
Bayless left ESPN in 2016 to join FS1. And according to a statement put out by the network, he ain’t coming back.
A spokesman issued a statement to Front Office Sports, saying: “We are set with the current First Take rotation, and wish Skip the best on his future endeavors.”
Ouch.
— Michael McCarthy (@MMcCarthyREV) July 16, 2024
ESPN Is Not Interested In A Reunion with former morning star Skip Bayless Once He Leaves FS1.
“We are set with the current First Take rotation, and wish Skip the best on his future endeavors,” an ESPN spokesman tells @FOS.https://t.co/7ccvIHR8Io
Ouch, indeed.
How bad must it be for the network to feel it necessary to get out in front of the social media rumor mill? As far as we’re aware, Bayless hasn’t been sending out feelers to get back in.
The most prominent rumor appears to involve Stephen A.
Smith has been smoking Bayless in the ratings department. Some had speculated that he might return a favor to Bayless by bringing him in. ESPN, though, seems to be hellbent on heading that notion off at the pass.
FS1 meanwhile, will have to pivot to figuring out what to do with Cowherd. He’s set to be a free agent after the 2024-25 NFL season.
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