Shannon Sharpe’s CRYPTIC tweet instigates heavy rumors about him joining hands with Stephen A. Smith on ESPN post split with Skip Bayless

Stephen A. Smith has previously shown interest in working with Shannon Sharpe.

Shannon Sharpe’s CRYPTIC tweet instigates heavy rumors about him joining hands with Stephen A. Smith on ESPN post split with Skip Bayless

(L) Stephen A. Smith and (R) Shannon Sharpe (Image credit ESPN and FOX)

As of now, there is no information about Shannon Sharpe’s imminent return. The former footballer turned NFL analyst is currently without a contract, seeking a new opportunity. While he is exploring options, including potential collaborations with other sports personalities like Stephen A. Smith, no official announcements have been made yet.

Various media outlets reported that Sharpe was in talks with ESPN to join Stephen A.’s First Take. However, Front Office Sports reported on Wednesday that there had been no deals finalized as of yet. The network itself needs a fresh overhaul after the worldwide layoffs of its staff in various quarters. Pat McAfee is the only notable signing ESPN has made so far. If reports are believed, Shannon Sharpe is the next high-profile name to get a contract.

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Stephen A. himself sent an open proposal to Shannon Sharpe after he decided to leave Fox. The three-time Super Bowl winner with the Denver Broncos will be a welcome addition to the fiery First Take. Earlier today, Stephen A. shared a post on Twitter announcing to the NFL community that they should look forward to his podcast on Friday. Smith replied to a Tweet that shared information about Shannon Sharpe becoming part of ESPN.

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Interestingly, Sharpe himself shared Smith’s tweet, possibly acknowledging that he may either appear on the show or there will be a massive reveal. Sharpe wrote on Twitter, “Whatcha addressing on Fri? I’ve got some free time so feel free 2 FT me b4 my meetings.” The Hall of Famer seemed quite eager to know what big secret Stephen A. Smith would reveal.

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Did Shannon Sharpe leave FOX Sports because of Skip Bayless? 

Shannon Sharpe's CRYPTIC tweet instigates heavy rumors about him joining hands with Stephen A. Smith on ESPN post split with Skip Bayless
Shannon Sharpe and Skip Bayless (Image via Fox Network)

Shannon Sharpe was one of the key pillars of FOX Sports 1’s Undisputed, besides Skip Bayless. The show premiered on FOX on September 6, 2016. For seven years, the two dominated the American sports analyst genre.

However, all good things must come to an end. But the end of the Sharpe and Bayless partnership was quite ugly. There had been instances throughout the journey where tension was brewing between the two. Bayless would mock Sharpe from time to time by interrupting his argument. It escalated quickly after an unwanted tweet by Skip Bayless in January after the tragic incident involving Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin. 

He suffered a cardiac arrest while playing against the Cincinnati Bengals. The game came to a stop as paramedics tried to save Hamlin’s life. While the entire country was in shock and praying, Skip Bayless tweeted, which sounded like the game mattered more than a Player’s life.

Sharpe wasn’t too happy to witness a co-worker sharing such a narrow view of the situation and called Bayless out during a segment of Undisputed. Since then, the relationship has gotten worse, and after the 2023 NBA Finals, Shannon Sharpe declared with tears that he was quitting the show.

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