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Shannon Sharpe repeatedly calls Stephen A. Smith 'Skip' on debut episode of First Take

DSprofileby:Dustin Schutte•09/04/23•

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shannon sharpe
(Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)

Old habits die hard. Shannon Sharpe proved that point during his debut episode on ESPN’s First Take, referring to new colleague Stephen A. Smith as former co-worker Skip Bayless multiple times.

Sharpe left FS1’s Undisputed earlier this summer and found a new home on First Take, where he now sits across from Smith. But after working with Skip for seven years, the Pro Football Hall of Famer is still getting used to his new co-host.

Early in his debut on the program, Sharpe referred to Smith as “Skip.” It didn’t sound like Smith took it personally, as Sharpe continues to get adjusted to the show.

But the first time was not the last time Sharpe made the mistake. Later in the show, he did it again! He continued to apologize, while Smith kept saying, “It’s alright.”

When you’ve been yelling at Bayless for so long, it probably just becomes natural.

Sharpe inked a deal with ESPN weeks after deciding to leave FS1. He will be part of the program for a majority of the NFL season. Hopefully, he gets adjusted quickly and doesn’t keep referring to Stephen A. as Skip.

Stephen A. Smith invited Shannon Sharpe on after FOX exit

When Sharpe announced he was leaving Undisputed, Smith quickly began the recruiting process. On his own radio show, the longtime ESPN personality said he’d welcome the former NFL tight end onto the First Take platform with open arms.

“And that I don’t know what his plans are. I don’t know what he’s trying to pursue. I don’t know what he’s after. But if Shannon Sharpe needs me, I’m happy to be here for him. And if that included him wanting to come on First Take, the bosses at ESPN know that is something I would support,” Smith said on his Stephen A. Smith Show.

Obviously, it worked out pretty well for Smith, Sharpe and First Take. Well, other than Sharpe still referring to Smith as Skip, but it’s just a matter of time before he gets comfortable with his new co-host.

Things didn’t turn out too bad for Bayless and Undisputed, either.

The New York Post reported that Richard Sherman will be Sharpe’s replacement for the FS1 program. It sounds like it will be another NFL-style partnership, with Sherman joining the program for 50-100 shows, primarily during the football season.