Stephen A. Smith (Photo credit: Eddy "Precise" Lamarre for rolling out)
In the world of sports commentary, few relationships have been as closely watched as that of ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith and former FS1 channel personality Skip Bayless. Recently, Smith opened up about the current state of their relationship, revealing that it has significantly deteriorated over the past year and a half.
The breakdown of communication
Smith shared that he and Bayless have only spoken once in the last year and a half. This lack of communication stems from a series of misunderstandings and public disagreements. The last time they interacted was in 2022, following a heated exchange that occurred during a podcast hosted by J.J. Redick, the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers.
“We’ve only spoken once over the last year, a year and a half or so,” Smith recalled on an episode of the “Fully Loaded” podcast. “We don’t speak much anymore. He got upset over something he thought I said to J.J. Redick, and he went on his podcast and attacked me for about 45 minutes.”
On-air disrespect and its consequences
The tension between the two escalated further when Bayless publicly disrespected Shannon Sharpe, Smith’s current co-host on “First Take.” Smith felt compelled to reach out to Bayless after witnessing the disrespect shown to Sharpe, which ultimately led to Sharpe leaving “Undisputed” and joining Smith on “First Take.”
“I thought he was wrong about Shannon,” Smith stated. “I thought what he did to Shannon was flagrantly wrong. And I called him, and he never reached back out. So, I stopped reaching out.”
Moving forward
Despite the falling out, Smith emphasized that he would never publicly criticize Bayless. However, he acknowledged that their relationship has changed since the incidents that have transpired. The lack of communication and unresolved issues have left a noticeable rift between the two sports commentators.
As fans of sports commentary, many are left wondering if there is any hope for reconciliation between Smith and Bayless. Their dynamic has been a staple in sports media, and the absence of their interactions leaves a void for viewers who have enjoyed their spirited debates.
In the competitive world of sports commentary, relationships can be as volatile as the topics discussed. Smith‘s reflections on his relationship with Bayless serve as a reminder of the complexities that come with public personas and personal disagreements. As both continue their careers, fans will be watching closely to see if these two can mend their differences or if the divide will only grow wider.
Stephen A. Smith reflects on his strained relationship with Skip Bayless
In the world of sports commentary, few relationships have been as closely watched as that of ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith and former FS1 channel personality Skip Bayless. Recently, Smith opened up about the current state of their relationship, revealing that it has significantly deteriorated over the past year and a half.
The breakdown of communication
Smith shared that he and Bayless have only spoken once in the last year and a half. This lack of communication stems from a series of misunderstandings and public disagreements. The last time they interacted was in 2022, following a heated exchange that occurred during a podcast hosted by J.J. Redick, the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers.
“We’ve only spoken once over the last year, a year and a half or so,” Smith recalled on an episode of the “Fully Loaded” podcast. “We don’t speak much anymore. He got upset over something he thought I said to J.J. Redick, and he went on his podcast and attacked me for about 45 minutes.”
On-air disrespect and its consequences
The tension between the two escalated further when Bayless publicly disrespected Shannon Sharpe, Smith’s current co-host on “First Take.” Smith felt compelled to reach out to Bayless after witnessing the disrespect shown to Sharpe, which ultimately led to Sharpe leaving “Undisputed” and joining Smith on “First Take.”
“I thought he was wrong about Shannon,” Smith stated. “I thought what he did to Shannon was flagrantly wrong. And I called him, and he never reached back out. So, I stopped reaching out.”
Moving forward
Despite the falling out, Smith emphasized that he would never publicly criticize Bayless. However, he acknowledged that their relationship has changed since the incidents that have transpired. The lack of communication and unresolved issues have left a noticeable rift between the two sports commentators.
As fans of sports commentary, many are left wondering if there is any hope for reconciliation between Smith and Bayless. Their dynamic has been a staple in sports media, and the absence of their interactions leaves a void for viewers who have enjoyed their spirited debates.
In the competitive world of sports commentary, relationships can be as volatile as the topics discussed. Smith‘s reflections on his relationship with Bayless serve as a reminder of the complexities that come with public personas and personal disagreements. As both continue their careers, fans will be watching closely to see if these two can mend their differences or if the divide will only grow wider.
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