- Smith says Sharpe ‘didn’t want to leave FOX’ but was ‘pushed out’
- Sharpe now appears as a guest on ESPN’s ‘First Take’ on Mondays and Tuesdays
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ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith has stated that he believes his new TV partner Shannon Sharpe has been ‘pushed’ off FOX Sports’ debate show ‘Undisputed’.
Smith – host of the popular ‘First Take’, where Sharpe now makes guest appearances – spoke on ‘The Joe Budden Podcast’ about his new colleague.
“I’m telling you he was pushed out,” Smith said. ‘It is a fact. They can deny it. He wouldn’t do that. I can promise you that. He was pushed out.
‘He didn’t want to leave. He was notified that your services would no longer be required. That’s his story to tell. I’ll tell you what I know. I’m giving you facts.’
Stephen A. said he felt the need to speak on behalf of Sharpe after he himself left ESPN for a brief period from 2009-2012.
Stephen A. Smith says his new ‘First Take’ co-host Shannon Sharpe was fired from FOX
Sharpe worked with Skip Bayless on the show ‘Undisputed’ from 2016 until last June
Sharpe made the jump to ESPN — where he now appears regularly as a guest on “First Take.”
Smith, 55, said he saw it as his “responsibility” to speak on behalf of his new colleague – and make sure he had a place to land.
Sources told New York Post that Skip Bayless – now the sole main host of “Undisputed” – fought to keep Sharpe on the show.
But those sources said Bayless sensed Sharpe wanted to leave to pursue new opportunities. They also said they were not aware of the details of what was said between Sharpe and FOX Sports bosses.
A Fox Sports spokesperson told The Post: “We have nothing but love and respect for Shannon and we remain grateful for his contributions to Fox Sports. We wish him every success in his new chapter.’
Sharpe currently appears twice a week on ‘First Take’ on Mondays and Tuesdays during the NFL season.
Meanwhile, “Undisputed” has evolved into a panel-style show, with Keyshawn Johnson, Michael Irvin, Rachel Nichols, Richard Sherman, Lil Wayne and Josina Anderson joining Bayless.