Sports world divided over Skip Bayless’ sudden departure from Undisputed without mentioning exit on last day

Sports fans and personalities were divided over Skip Bayless’ sudden departure from Undisputed and Fox Sports 1 as a network.

On Friday, Bayless announced that it would be his “final show on Undisputed,” ending an eight-year run on the program. He also shared that he was leaving FS1, saying he had been “planning on pursuing other opportunities for months.”

Following his sudden departure, users were divided over the nature of his departure and speculation abounded over the terms of his departure. His former FS1 colleague Nick Wright paid tribute to Bayless, calling his FS1 tenure “a truly legendary one.”

“Very few people, in any industry, can say they helped create and define an entire genre,” Wright wrote. “Skip did. Kudos and good luck with whatever he does next.”

Others, however, strongly disagreed with the First Things First host. User Matt Williams reposted Wright’s statement and was critical of Bayless’ career and lack of positive contributions.

“All Skip Bayless did was turn sports talk shows into a cesspool of nonsense and uneducated hot takes,” he wrote. “The man was a net negative to society and contributed nothing of value. Fuck off, man.”

Another user, @veldous, was in the same boat as Williams, claiming that “no one cares” about Bayless’ departure.

“It’s so fitting that Skip Bayless disappeared from the airwaves the other day and literally no one cares,” the user wrote. “It’s not enough that he helped kill the sports discourse, it’s also that no one will ever remember a single worthwhile thing he said in 20+ years. What an absolute waste of a career.

Meanwhile, user Ian Cameron speculated that Bayless was fired due to Undisputed’s recent ratings decline.

Nick Wright insisted Bayless had a legendary run, but others disagreed

“The idea that Skip Bayless says he was looking for other opportunities all along and that’s why he ‘left’ Undisputed is nonsense. And he’s said a lot of nonsense over the years,” he wrote.

“The ratings plummeted, the show was worthless, and the FOX executives pulled the plug. Period.”

Bayless’ former co-host, Shannon Sharpe, left FS1 in 2023 after seven years with Undisputed. Sharpe took his talents to ESPN to join Stephen A. Smith on First Take, Bayless’ former show.

While Bayless said he is “excited for what’s to come,” the network also released a statement thanking him for his service.

Bayless left FOX Sports after eight years with the network, where he hosted Undisputed

Shannon Sharpe left the program in 2023, taking his talents to ESPN and First Take

“The FOX Sports family thanks Skip Bayless for his outstanding contributions to FS1,” the network wrote. “As a founding host of the show UNDISPUTED and known as the godfather of sports debate, Skip has been a cornerstone of our network and a driving force in sports commentary.

“His passion, insight and distinctive voice have entertained audiences and captivated sports fans over the years. We wish Skip continued success in his future endeavors.”