Report: ESPN 'not interested' in re-signing Skip Bayless after he leaves FS1's Undisputed

by:Brian Jones•07/16/24•

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gettyimages-524806202-594x594 (1) — BRISTOL, CT - AUGUST 30: Sports journalist and television personality, Skip Bayless prepares for First Take, ESPN2's daily sports talk show, on Friday morning, August 30, 2013. Bayless participates in debate with Stephen A. Smith as he does everyday, during their two hour morning program from 10am - noon. (Photo by Christopher Capozziello/For The Washington Post via Getty Images)

Skip Bayless won’t be joining ESPN once he leaves FS1 later this summer. According to Front Office Sports, ESPN is “not interested” in re-signing Bayless and possibly putting him back on First Take with Stephen A. Smith.

“We are set with the current First Take rotation, and wish Skip the best on his future endeavors,” an ESPN spokesman told FOS.

Bayless, 72, has been the co-host of Undisputed since joining the network in 2016. He was paired with NFL legend Shannon Sharpe who left the show last year and signed with ESPN. After Sharpe left, Undisputed went through some changes, with the most notable being the addition of a rotating group of panelists with Bayless, including Keyshawn Johnson, Michael Irvin, Richard Sherman, Rachel Nichols, and Paul Pierce. The New York Post first reported Bayless’ exit and said that Undisputed will continue after Bayless.

Bayless’ current contract expires next year after signing a four-year, $34 million deal in 2021. One source told Front Office Sports: “Fox made the wrong call choosing Skip over Shannon. But when Stephen A. was out of the business, Skip brought him back. Will Stephen A. return the favor? Especially when Skip needs a hand now?”

Skip Bayless has had a long and successful career

Bayless began his run at ESPN in 2004 as he was featured on the ESPN2 show Cold Pizza. He also has a long newspaper career, working for the Chicago Tribune, Dallas Morning News, Dallas Times Herald, Miami Herald and the Los Angeles Times. Bayless has won multiple awards, including Illinois Sportswriter of the Year by the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association in 2000 and Texas Sportswriter of the Year three times.

Bayless is known for his strong opinions on Undisputed and social media, leading to fans having polarizing reactions. In April, Bayless shares his thoughts on the Dallas Cowboys bringing back Ezekiel Elliott.

“Clearly, Jerry Jones and company announced this today to try to ease the pain over his not being able to land a single running back in the seven rounds of the draft,” Bayless said. “It was a PR move to placate Cowboy Nation – ‘Zeke’s back!’”

Bayless added: “Would you believe that ‘Zeke Elliott, in his eight NFL seasons, has gone down in yards per game every single season? That’s hard to do but he has done it. “He hit bottom in New England last year where he averaged 38 yards per game.”