Shannon Sharpe Bounces Back from Fallout with Skip Bayless, Inks Multiyear Deal With ESPN Following Viral Katt Williams Interview

A yr after an emotional cut up from FS1’s “Undisputed” with polarizing media character Skip Bayless, whom he mentioned had “no respect” for him, issues are wanting up for Shannon Sharpe and his new house at ESPN.

Sharpe made his debut on ESPN’s “First Take” on Sept. 4, 2023, after exiting “Undisputed” in June of that yr. Sharpe and Bayless had some contentious moments throughout their seven-year run, however the three-time Tremendous Bowl champion’s first 9 months at ESPN seem to have been successful, because the community is now rewarding him with an expanded multiyear contract. Even Bob Iger, CEO of Disney, ESPN’s father or mother firm, acquired concerned in retaining Sharpe and increasing his function, in keeping with The Hollywood Reporter.

With this new deal, Sharpe is predicted to have a bigger presence on ESPN’s long-running morning program “First Take” and also will make appearances on the community’s different packages throughout its number of platforms, The Athletic reported. Particulars on his look schedule are anticipated to be introduced at a later date.

“Being part of this household has been a blessing,” Sharpe mentioned in a press release. “The whole lot about this relationship with ESPN, Stephen A., and ‘First Take’ has been super. I look ahead to increasing my function and exhibiting extra of the world what I’ve to supply. The present goes on!”

The complete phrases of Sharpe’s deal weren’t disclosed, however some followers took to social media to react shortly after information of the previous NFL star’s expanded function with the community surfaced.

“Unc getting paid,” one other fan mentioned.

“Excellent he’s one of many solely nice analysts they’ve,” one other social media person declared.

“Its a purpose Skip isn’t doing effectively anymore & his podcast,” tweeted an X person. “The numbers say first take is healthier with out Skip & undisputed is worst with out Shay.”

Nevertheless, some followers miss Skip and Shannon as a duo.

“Shannon Sharpe was higher on ‘Undisputed’ than he’s on ‘First Take,’” a fan tweeted.

“Shannon & Skip was the most effective combo It was like a comedy act very like the ‘nba on tnt crew.’ Shannon & SAS simply feels compelled,” tweeted one other.

Sharpe at present seems on “First Take” twice per week alongside outspoken sports activities commentator and podcast host Stephen A. Smith and a rotating panel of co-hosts.

Sharpe additionally hosts his personal podcast, “Membership Shay Shay,” the place he interviews celeb friends weekly, in addition to a nightly present referred to as “Nightcap” with Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson and Gilbert Arenas.

In Jan. 2024, Sharpe sat down with comic Katt Williams for an episode of his “Membership Shay Shay” podcast. The interview went viral, racking up greater than 70 million views as of June. The interview sparked numerous memes and conversations about Hollywood tradition.

Throughout an episode of Sharpe’s “Nightcap” present, he set the file straight about how he profited from the interview.

“I simply acquired the verify. So no matter you suppose I made, three X it. So for those who suppose I made 500,000, three X it. For those who suppose I made one million, three X it. For those who suppose I made two million, three X it,” Sharpe mentioned.