The Skip Bayless era on television might finally come to an end this summer! Well, at least on Fox Sports. Spending the last eight years on the network as the face of the show Undisputed, Bayless is reportedly set to leave his position in the coming months. And many even speculated that once he hosts his final Undisputed episode later this year, Bayless might make a return to his previous home First Take. However, ESPN shut down those possibilities with their latest statement, which led to Skip’s former co-host Stephen A. Smith claiming no part in the network’s decision.

Not letting the rumors of a Skip Bayless-Stephen A. Smith TV reunion catch fire, an ESPN spokesperson issued this statement on behalf of the network, “We are set with the current First Take rotation, and wish Skip the best in his future endeavors.” Surely enough, many believed that Stephen A. might have had a part to play in ESPN’s decision, which the veteran analyst denied on The Stephen A. Smith Show, “I had no idea ESPN was gonna issue that statement. That is my day job. I’m not knocking them for that. I work for them. It’s not the other way around. They have the right to do what they want.”

Then, Smith also addressed his former colleague Dan Lebatard’s accusations who blamed the ESPN analyst for ruining the end of Skip Bayless’ career. “First of all, Skip Bayless’ career is not over. But the first thing that I’d say is that if it is over, I don’t think it is coz I think Skip will land some place. Why can’t we respect the fact that the brother’s 73 years old? I mean, why are we talking about him like he’s 43?” Smith responded. Like him or not, you cannot deny that Skip has had an illustrious career in the media. Making that point, Smith claimed that Skip being the face of a show at 73 is a feat even he might not be able to achieve, although First Take has been the top-rated sports show for several years.

Has Stephen A. Smith contacted Skip Bayless yet?

While Stephen A. Smith and Skip Bayless have been the face of rival networks for the last eight years, there was a time before that when they shared the screen as the co-hosts of First Take. With them being former colleagues, some of you must be thinking that Smith might have reached out to the 73YO after hearing about his tenure with FS1 coming to an end. However, Stephen A. revealed on his podcast that he has made no such effort as of now, “I’ve not called him. I’m not going to because I know what this moment must be like for him.”

Regardless, Smith gave his former colleague his props and even acknowledged that he might not have reached this level of success if Skip hadn’t given him the opportunity to join First Take over a decade ago. Although Smith is yet to contact Bayless, he continues to have respect for the media veteran and even called him a “fighter” for being able to stay on top of his game for multiple decades.

What do you think of the whole story? Do you feel like Skip should retire? Let us know in the comments below.