“Shannon joins Stephen A?” – Redditors brew CONSPIRACY theories about Shannon Sharpe potentially joining ESPN after splitting with Skip Bayless amid mass layoffs
Shannon Sharpe reportedly agreed to a buyout deal with Fox Network a few weeks ago.
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Shannon Sharpe, Skip Bayless and Stephen A. Smith (Images via Fox Network and ESPN)
The leading sports media network ESPN is laying off 20 of its top on-air personalities, including Steve Young, Max Kellerman, and Suzy Kolber. This massive layoff is part of their parent company Disney’s goal to eliminate 7,000 employees, as ordered by the company’s CEO, Robert Iger. However, more interestingly, ESPN’s mass layoffs have led to speculation about Shannon Sharpe signing with ESPN to join forces with Stephen A. Smith following his split with Skip Bayless.
Former Denver Broncos tight end Shannon Sharpe joined CBS Sports as an analyst immediately after his retirement. Due to his football knowledge and vocal personality, Sharpe quickly rose to the big leagues. In 2016, Sharpe signed a contract with Fox Sports to co-host UNDISPUTED with Skip Bayless.
And now, nearly 7 years after his joining, Sharpe recently agreed to a buyout deal with Fox Network. He left the show undisputed following the 2023 NBA Finals. The three-time Super Bowl champion is currently a free agent and is receiving attention from multiple sports media networks. Amidst this, ESPN’s mass layoffs have made fans believe that they are making room for Sharpe.
IAs mentioned before, in reality, ESPN’s mass layoffs are part of Disney’s rebrand. Previously, ESPN laid off its behind-the-scenes employees. But on Friday, they got rid of some of the most famous names in sports media. Famed personalities such as Keyshawn Johnson, Steve Young, and Ashley Brewer were let go from their jobs.
Related: Pat McAfee hits back at critics for branding him the ‘culprit’ behind ESPN’s mass firing
Redditors believe Shannon Sharpe is joining ESPN
As per the majority of NFL Reddit users, well-renowned sports analyst Shannon Sharpe is signing with the ESPN network to team up with Stephen A. Smith following the leading sports media network’s recent mass layoffs. Sharpe recently left Fox Network after working with Skip Bayless on the sports talk show UNDISPUTED for the last seven years.
Sharing a wide spectrum of reactions online, here’s what fans have to say:
ESPN’s mass layoffs have led to plenty of wild conspiracy theories and speculations. Some people blamed former Indianapolis Colts punter Pat McAfee for the recent firings. According to New York Post reporter Andrew Marchand, McAfee recently signed a 4-year, $85 million deal with ESPN.
Nonetheless, all the people who got the axe from ESPN are highly experienced sports reporters and analysts. They will have no problem finding a new gig with another sports network soon. On the other hand, fans are excited about potential new faces as replacements for fired analysts. ESPN personality Mina Kimes‘ potential debut as the Monday Night Countdown host has also created a buzz among football fans.
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Aravind Raj
(2075 Articles Published)