Stephen A. Smith reveals why relationship with Skip Bayless broke down

Skip Bayless and Stephen A. Smith were close friends at one point. However, that is no longer the case. Their relationship has broken down in recent years, Smith recently revealed on the “Talk with Flee” podcast.

Stephen A. Smith shared that he has nothing against Skip Bayless, but there’s a specific reason why they are no longer close like they were when they were coworkers on ESPN First Take.

“I don’t have one,” Smith said of his relationship with Skip Bayless. “I have nothing bad to say. I’m eternally grateful to Skip Bayless, who brought me on First Take. … Because you should never forget somebody who gave you that opportunity. You really, really shouldn’t.

“And when I say we don’t have a relationship, it’s not anything negative from my end. It’s me letting you know, ‘Yo bro, I picked up the phone on several occasions and called him. He never called me back.’”

Stephen A. Smith reached out to Skip Bayless after Bayless and Shannon Sharpe had an argument on Undisputed that turned personal.

Smith wanted to speak with Skip Bayless about the disagreement, but he called multiple times and never heard back from him. Because of that, their relationship is no more.

“To me, if you’re that kind of person, that doesn’t make you bad. It just means that we can’t vibe, because I’m going to answer a call,” Smith said. “I’ve got a lot of people over the last year or two that have really, really pissed me off. I’m picking up the phone if they call.”

Smith reiterated that he’s not mad at Skip Bayless for making that decision, but the two simply aren’t close anymore after he didn’t answer the phone or call back. Bayless left his job at FS1 earlier this year.

“Skip had his right to not pick up the phone when the whole Shannon thing was going down, and that’s fine. That’s his prerogative. Live with that. Do what you’ve gotta do. If that’s how you felt it was best, that’s fine,” Smith continued.

“I know Skip better than most. And I know that it wasn’t malicious intent with him not doing that. He’s just a different cat, and he operates in a different way. … Our relationship goes back too long for me to not get a call from you when I called you. So when you made that decision, cool. Live with your decision. I wish you nothing but the best.”