“Shannon Sharpe to Become ESPN Contributor”: $143M NFL Set to Witness Triple Battle as Undisputed Ex-Host Reportedly ‘Joins’ Pat McAfee and Broadcasting Icon

For the past 3o days, the media world saw a complete restructuring in the US. Top faces in both NFL and NBA coverages were let go, with massive contract buyouts. However, the case of Shannon Sharpe remained a case of mystery, surrounded by an air of secrecy about his exit. Starting back in 2016, the 3x Super Bowl champ joined forces with the notorious Skip Bayless, to become the most prominent face in sports media history. However, it all ended a day following the NBA finals this season, with Sharpe’s exit from the show.

Although there were speculations on why the former tight end decided to bid farewell to ‘Undisputed’, there were clear indications that Sharpe would be back at broadcasting right after. With his own podcast, and hints on social media about his return, it was only a matter of time before a big announcement. In a momentous recent development, it’s reported that the Hall of Famer is looking nowhere but in ESPN to fill the huge vacancy after their recent layoffs, even with a shot at the table with the media giant’s big face, Stephen A. Smith.

Will Shannon Sharpe be joining the First Take?

ESPN’s plan for the future is very clear, with their significant downsizing, and filling the vacancies with newer faces. Furthermore, Pat McAfee was certainly not on the media giant’s ‘naughty list’ as they brought the former punter’s whole YouTube show to their platform only a few months ago. With the likes of Keyshawn Johnson and several other NFL analysts, it almost seemed as if ESPN only needed McAfee for the NFL coverage. However, it was certainly not the case with these recent developments.

As it turns out, ex-Undisputed already had ongoing talks with the media giant about his next phase in broadcasting. And the 3x champion wants a seat at the big table, prompting Smith’s statement on the recent events. Smith promptly took to Twitter to quote and retweet a tweet, reporting on the said developments, with an update.

The main tweet claimed that Sharpe has talked with ESPN about joining their network, including Smith’s show “First Take”, one of the country’s most famous chat shows. Smith did not deny any of the said claims and wrote in his tweet, “Look for me on Friday, Folks! I’ll be addressing all the things I need to address,” followed by, “Back on “The Stephen A. Smith Show” podcast on Friday.” He concluded his reply with, “See y’all in a minute. Buckle Up!!!”

Read More: While Skip Bayless Stays Away From Work, Shannon Sharpe’s Super Bowl Winning Replacement Finds Acceptance With NFL World

As the plot thickens, it must be acknowledged that the sports personality had only nice things to offer for those veterans who were let go in the past few months. However, he wasn’t much interested in giving a full-time spot to the 3x Super Bowl champ on his show, following the latter’s departure announcement.

Smith wanted Sharpe as a part-timer?

Amidst Sharpe’s breaking-up announcement, the sports journalist took to his podcast to address a few things. He started with, “I respect the brother,” then proceeded to invite him on his own show as a co-host, if the Hall of Famer was interested. Smith also added how he supports whatever decision Sharpe makes, even if it ends with the former tight end’s own show. Afterward, Smith articulated his stance on having the former Undisputed as a full-timer on his show.

He proceeded to give a shout-out to the crew he’s blessed with and expressed how happy he already was with the show. Smith added how he’s not so inclined to make numerous alterations, to change how the show already is. Therefore, he only had a place for Sharpe as a part-timer.

With Smith’s take, it’s highly likely that the 3x Super Bowl champion might have his own show on ESPN. However, his co-workers were also victims of the recent layoffs, so the story could change entirely. It will certainly be intriguing to see how it unfolds, and if Sharpe brings anyone on board with him, if he gets his own show. What do you think?

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