Stephen A. Smith says he was 'proud' of Shannon Sharpe amid 'Undisputed' exit

Shannon Sharpe signed off from FS1’s Undisputed for a final time on Tuesday. The former NFL star-turned-sports analyst had nothing but positive things to say to his co-host, Skip Bayless, while on camera. ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith took notice.

Smith and Bayless worked together for years on ESPN’s First Take. Although the two are no longer colleagues, Smith maintains an incredible amount of respect for Bayless. And he was happy to see Sharpe treat the controversial sports journalist with the same respect.

“Shocking as it may be to some of you. There’s a whole bunch of brothers and sisters, Black people, that Skip Bayless has helped out and looked out for,” Smith said on his Stephen A. Smith Show. “And I know people try to question his intent, I’m highlighting his results. There are people who have enjoyed a tremendous level of success in this business because Skip Bayless gave them a chance. I will always disagree with him on a case by case basis. We will fight sometimes, but I will never forget what he did for me. And I’m proud of Shannon Sharpe, that he didn’t forget either.”

As he signed off for the final time, Sharpe had this to say to Bayless.

“Skip Bayless, you fought for me, bro. I’m here because of you. You allowed me to share the stage with you. You allowed me to share the platform,” Sharpe said. “The opportunity that you gave me to become what I became, I’m forever indebted to you, I’ll never forget what you did for me. You helped me grow, more than you’ll ever know.”

What’s next for Shannon Sharpe?

Thanks to his strong opinions on Undisputed, Sharpe has become a popular figure in sports debate. So, what’s the next part of his journey in this business?

The Pro Football Hall of Famer hasn’t revealed it yet, but he did leave a hint that he’s got some things coming in the future.

“Went out to the garden this morning. Took the time to pull some weeds, making room for this season’s flowers to grow,” Sharpe wrote in the post. “Stay tuned for the seeds I’m planting.”

Smith recently said on his show that, when Sharpe left FS1, he’d love to have him on.

“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 Friday on the Stephen A. Smith Show.