Shannon Sharpe gets into a heated debate with Stephen A. Smith and fans couldn’t help but think of his fallout with Skip Bayless

Heated exchange between Shannon Sharpe and Stephen A. Smith on First Take reminded fans of Sharpe’s infamous fallout with Skip Bayless.

Shannon Sharpe gets into a heated debate with Stephen A. Smith and fans couldn’t help but think of his fallout with Skip Bayless

Shannon Sharpe's heated debate with Stephen A. Smith reminded fans of his fallout with Skip Bayless (Via Imago/Esquire/Marca)

There have been numerous instances where analysts disagree on various subjects, but the tension between Shannon Sharpe and Stephen A. Smith escalated to a level rarely seen, culminating in a heated exchange on camera. As he lost his temper with Smith, fans were reminded of Sharpe’s infamous fallout with Skip Bayless.

In the recent episode of ESPN First Take, Sharpe and Smith– who joined the network last year, went into a discussion of whether Bill Belichick can fit in Dallas Cowboys amid their struggle this season. While Sharpe argued Belichick and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones may have a clash due to their different approach to management, Smith believes the two can certainly find common ground and end the team’s long Super Bowl drought. 

YouTube video

Smith wasn’t finished with his take when the three-time Super Bowl champion cut him off, resulting in a fierce exchange between the sports analysts. 

Stephen A., do you like coming to your job every day and having a headache? See, you’re talking about what you think you know. One voice, one sound. When you’re trying to win championships, you have one voice, one sound resonating. And you and I both know, Bill Belichick is a bigger draw than Jerry Jones, that’s why he has coaches that he can overshadow.

Shannon Sharpe said

The ESPN columnist was utterly shocked upon listening to the blunt words from his colleague, reminding fans of a similar clash with the Undisputed host, Bayless. 

Stephen A. Smith’s sharp commentary ignites heated exchange with Shannon Sharpe

Smith was determined not to let it slide easily; true to his reputation for sharp commentary, Smith didn’t hold back from speaking his mind. However, his sharp comment only served to further anger Sharpe. 

“Your argument goes right out the window when you mention championships and the Cowboys in the same breath,” exclaimed Smith, to which Sharpe responded in frustration, “Now you know more football. Go ahead.” 

Stephen A. Smith and Shannon Sharpe's heated exchange on First Take
Stephen A. Smith and Shannon Sharpe’s heated exchange on First Take (Via YouTube)

Come on, Shannon. I never said I know more football than you. Stop that. Stop that. I’ve never said that.

Stephen A. Smith added to ease the tension

This confrontation with Smith echoed a previous altercation that stopped an inch before the line of getting physical with sports analyst Bayless, who blasted at Sharpe during a discussion about Tom Brady. And just like his fallout from Undisputed Host, fans speculate a potential crack in Smith and Sharpe’s partnership on ESPN. 

Related: “You gave up on them!” Rex Ryan calls out Giants front office for horrible decisions amidst Daniel Jones exit