Stephen A. Smith calls for ESPN to re-hire former ‘First Take’ co-host
Ever for the reason that departure of former “First Take” co-host Shannon Sharpe, Stephen A. Smith has labored with a rotating group of visitor analysts on ESPN’s hit present.
But Smith is prepared to see that come to an finish, he revealed on a latest episode of the “Out The Mud” podcast hosted by former NBA gamers Zach Randolph and Tony Allen.
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Smith says that he needs ESPN to convey Sharpe again to the seat throughout from him on “First Take.”
While one would assume Smith has monumental sway to make that occur contemplating all of the success he has had for ESPN, he famous that it’s not finally his determination to convey Sharpe again, though he has informed the community that is what he needs.
“I’m always going to want him back. The company knows I want him back,” Smith stated on the “Out The Mud” podcast.
“Now, y’all going to do what y’all got to do because I’m the executive producer, but I’m not an executive VP of the company,” Smith stated. “I have bosses to answer to. They have to make that decision. But they already know I want him back. If we can get him back, I want him back, I ain’t apologizing for that to nobody. He was great for me. He was great to me, and I’m not gonna forget that. He was great for the show.”
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Smith’s public need to have Sharpe again comes after a latest “First Take” reunion with another former co-hostSkip Bayless, who was a visitor analyst final week.
Why Shannon Sharpe left “First Take”
ESPN decided to cut ties with Sharpe in July of 2025 after he settled a lawsuit with an ex-girlfriend who accused him of rape.
sharpe denied the allegation and stated the connection was “100% consensual.”
When it comes to his relationship with Stephen A. Smith, Sharpe made it fairly clear he has no issue with the ESPN starin order that would not be a roadblock for his return.
“No, I will say this, Stephen A. has called me and been there every step of the way. I will say that. I will say, Stephen A. has reached out, he’s called, asked me anything,” Sharpe stated. “I know a lot of people say a lot of things about Stephen A., but all I can attest to is the way Stephen A. is with Shannon. And he’s been great.”
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Sharpe has not re-entered mainstream tv since all that went down, however he does have a pair of his personal exhibits, together with “Club Shay Shay” and “Nightcap,” the latter of which he hosts with fellow former NFL participant Chad Ochocinco.
Whether or not ESPN could be prepared to convey Sharpe again stays to be seen, and we do not even know if Sharpe is prepared to return to his former gig.
But with Smith in his nook, there’s not less than an opportunity we see Sharpe on “First Take” once more.