Stephen A. Smith says ESPN executives ‘weren’t enamored’ with Skip Bayless’ bizarre love for Tim Tebow
Stephen A. Smith Says ESPN Executives ‘Were Not Enamored’ Of Skip Bayless’ Bizarre Love For Tim Tebow
- Skip Bayless said Monday that First Take was on trial as far back as 2013
- Bayless and Smith hoped for an afternoon slot, but it failed to materialize
- DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news
Stephen A. Smith made it clear to Skip Bayless’ story that First Take was “on probation” at some point during their time together, suggesting that Bayless was partially guilty.
Up eponymous podcastSmith acknowledged that his controversial comments about Ray Rice put them in that position, but the executives’ distaste for Bayless’ Tim Tebow’s obsession also contributed to this.
Bayless explained First Take’s problems during a recollection of his infamous interview with current debate partner Richard Sherman, during the ex-Seahawk’s second season in 2013.
“That’s the part he left out,” Smith said. ‘I wasn’t the only reason there was a probationary period per se.
“It existed because the network wanted to make sure that our show wasn’t just a viewership show, but a show that didn’t embarrass them.
Stephen A. Smith wanted to clarify why ESPN placed First Take on probation
Richard Sherman got out on Skip Bayless at a show in 2013, causing them even more trouble
In addition to his hatred for LeBron James, Bayless is known for his great admiration for Tim Tebow
The public had accused Skip Bayless of being a caricature of himself. And while Skip was very proud of his coverage of Tim Tebow, the bosses weren’t necessarily thrilled about it.
Skip Bayless was incredibly proud of his coverage of Tim Tebow; the bosses thought otherwise.’
Smith and Bayless were seeking an afternoon slot on ESPN, which was eventually derailed by Sherman’s explosive attack on the latter.
“That Richard Sherman performance, even though Skip didn’t go after him, for all the reasons Skip accurately articulated, we couldn’t get ‘First Take’ going in the afternoon,” Smith said.
‘They left us in the morning. That Richard Sherman performance cost us an afternoon spot for “First Take.”
The New York native admitted that Bayless’s fascination with Tebow helped boost ratings.
“Now I didn’t want to talk about Tebow every day… But to be fair to Skip, it has increased the popularity of the show to some extent.
‘In the end, the bosses weren’t too happy about it and that’s where the probationary period came from. So I thought Skip left that out, so I wanted to make sure I emphasized that.”