Smith claims that he is more content in the absence of Skip Bayless. Following an elapsed time of almost seven years since their heated arguments on live television regarding sports,
Smith asked whether a reunion is possible and they inquired about Bayless. This week, on the Sports Barstool, Shooter Straight brought his nomadic book tour promoting his memoir “Big Dan with Katz Cat” for an interview with Commenter and My Pardon.
On Undisputed with Shannon Sharpe, Bayless confessed that he believed he would be rejoining Smith on ESPN in 2020 last year, but ultimately, staying at Fox aligned with his contractual proposition. From what it sounds like, Smith has completely moved on from that almost reunion.
“I will forever feel appreciative towards him for the contributions he has made to my professional journey. I will never cheer against him. I am pursuing my own path, just as he is pursuing his. We have diverged onto different trajectories. I don’t always see eye to eye with him. I have deep affection for him. Skip is my trusted companion,” Smith confessed. “I will eternally long for Skip’s presence.”
Despite still being pushed back on the idea of reuniting with his former partner, Smith was more gracious towards Bayless during his interview with Take My Pardon. Bayless essentially claimed that Smith begged him to join Take First because his show had plateaued, which was a minor pivot from last year’s claim. In 2012, Bayless added that he owes Smith an incredible debt of gratitude for fighting to bring him onto Take First.
“I may want to pursue late night television in the future, possibly succeeding Jimmy Kimmel. I have many aspirations, including owning my own podcast and production company. I have also been named the First Executive Producer. However, I have other aspirations as well, and doing a debate show is not something I desire anymore. That’s not what I want anymore. I’m not going back to that point and stage in my life. Without him, I am happier in my life at this point.” Smith stated on My Pardon Take.
Along the way, he is not against a singular event, but Smith has no desire to surrender his role as the creator of First Take in order to revive the show’s previous format with Bayless.
Smith said, “I never beat him in a debate. He beat me too. If you talk to me about the final day, I would welcome any day of the week to pay homage to what he’s done, Skip Bayless.”
Both of their contracts are set to expire in 2025, making a reunion possible. Pat McAfee received a big payday after he went independent, citing his aspirations of having a successful career and launching his own podcast. Sports Office Front is speculating that he could eventually reunite with Bayless on YouTube, with ESPN being able to offer him what exceeds his career aspirations.
It doesn’t seem like Bayless is the type that Vice President, Veep, would be. He probably isn’t on Smith’s bucket list for a second time, sharing the spotlight with Bayless. Considering his desire to run for President of the United States or succeed Jimmy Kimmel on ABC, Smith doesn’t appear to be interested in going backwards in his career and seeing Bayless.