Skip Bayless begs Charles Barkley to join ‘Undisputed’ after Shannon Sharpe exit: ‘Let me annihilate you’
Skip Bayless’ Dream Debate Partner
Skip Bayless, the outspoken host of “Undisputed,” has set his sights on Charles Barkley as his ideal debate partner on the show. Following the departure of Shannon Sharpe last month, Bayless is eager to have Barkley join him as a “permanent” staple on the FS1 program. Bayless is so determined to work with Barkley that he’s even willing to pay Barkley’s salary.
In the latest episode of his self-titled podcast, Bayless expressed his enthusiasm for collaborating with Barkley. He mentioned that he would eagerly wake up at two o’clock in the morning in Los Angeles just to have the opportunity to work with Barkley. The idea began to take shape in Bayless’ mind after Barkley referred to him as a “damn idiot” during TNT’s coverage of “The Match.”
Bayless made a passionate plea to Barkley, stating, “Please, Charles, please come and please work with me, this ‘damn idiot.’ What a joy it would be to do battle every day with Charles Barkley live on television.” He went on to elaborate on his vision for the partnership, expressing his willingness to take a step back and let Barkley make a fool of himself while he observed and enjoyed the show.
Bayless compared Barkley to his former debate partners, Shannon Sharpe and Stephen A. Smith. He jokingly said that Barkley would be a solo “Shaqtin’ a Fool” on a daily basis, equating him to an all-time NBA draft bust. Bayless expressed his excitement at the prospect of working with Barkley, extending an “official offer” for him to join the show as a permanent debate partner.
An Unlikely Acceptance
Despite Bayless’ ardent request, Charles Barkley has yet to publicly address the offer or respond to the proposition. It seems unlikely that Barkley would accept Bayless’ offer, as he has been known to take ruthless jabs at him in the media for years.
Barkley currently serves as a co-host on TNT’s award-winning show, “Inside the NBA,” alongside Shaquille O’Neal, Ernie Johnson, and Kenny Smith. In October, Barkley agreed to a 10-year deal with TNT, which is expected to be worth a significant sum. Additionally, Barkley will be hosting a show on CNN titled “King Charles,” where he will discuss politics alongside Gayle King. The show is set to air on Wednesdays.
Sharpe’s Departure and Potential Replacements
Shannon Sharpe, who spent seven years as Bayless’ debate partner on “Undisputed,” recently left the show after the NBA Finals. Since Sharpe’s departure, there has been speculation about who could potentially replace him on the show.
Some names that have been thrown around as potential replacements include former NFL running back LeSean McCoy and former ESPN personality Keyshawn Johnson. Johnson was part of ESPN’s latest round of layoffs.
“Undisputed” is scheduled to return on August 28, and fans are eagerly awaiting the announcement of Shannon Sharpe’s replacement.
A Passionate Plea for Barkley
Despite the unlikelihood of Barkley accepting his offer, Skip Bayless has made a passionate plea for the former NBA star to join him on “Undisputed.” Bayless is willing to pay Barkley’s salary to work with him and believes that their debates would be explosive and entertaining for viewers.
While the future of “Undisputed” remains uncertain in terms of its permanent debate partner, Bayless’ desire to have Barkley on the show is evident. Fans will have to wait and see whether Barkley responds to Bayless’ plea and if a dynamic partnership between the two outspoken personalities will ever come to fruition.