“Skip Bayless did not make Shannon Sharpe” - NFL Hall of Famer responds to criticism during successful run of FS1’s Undisputed

Shannon Sharpe’s football talent is undeniable. During his playing days, he was too fast for linebackers and too big for defensive backs. Those advantages helped him become a significant contributor to three Super Bowl-winning rosters. Eventually, his exploits made him a Pro Football Hall of Famer.

Aside from being an elite tight end, he is also an entertaining individual, as shown by in-game moments on the field or the sidelines. Even before FS1 allowed him to debate with Skip Bayless in the sports talk show Undisputed, he was already outspoken and comical.

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Shannon Sharpe was an innate performer before joining Undisputed

There’s a prevailing thought that Shannon Sharpe’s former co-host, Skip Bayless, helped him to become the household name he is. The 14-year NFL veteran refuted that notion during his recent appearance on Stephen A. Smith’s eponymous show.

Smith’s new First Take co-host commented:

“Where I push back and where I get upset is that when people say Skip Bayless made Shannon Sharpe, Skip Bayless did not make Shannon Sharpe relatable. Skip Bayless did not make Shannon Sharpe the storyteller that he is.”

Sharpe and Bayless were the main fixtures on the Undisputed debate table from when the show started in September 2016 until June 2023. The former Denver Broncos and Baltimore Ravens tight end left the program after the 2023 NBA Finals following a contract buyout.

There have been countless contentious moments during their seven-year partnership. Bayless once accused Sharpe of being critical of quarterback Tom Brady’s performances because of his alleged jealousy over Brady’s longevity.

Then, there’s Shannon Sharpe’s absence during the show’s episode following Damar Hamlin’s in-game cardiac arrest. As the Buffalo Bills safety was hanging on for dear life, Bayless made an insensitive tweet about the NFL’s decision to cancel that game.

Bayless later apologized by making a subsequent tweet. However, Sharpe believes the damage has been done because his sudden absence was the final wedge on his Undisputed stint.

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Shannon Sharpe and Skip Bayless’ partnership had to end

Sharpe knew that leaving Undisputed was the best decision for all parties. However, he remains grateful to Bayless and will remember their predominantly great memories on the show.

Sharpe added during his conversation with the “Straight Shooter” author:

“I'm gonna miss aspect of it, meeting him… but it had gotten to the point over the last six or seven months, and it won't, I won't allow it to ruin the six great years that we had. But it had gotten to the point that it needed to, we needed to go our separate ways. And I wish it could have been handled a little differently, even a that's the only thing that I wish, I wish it could have been handled differently.”

The former Savannah State standout also commented on the notion that nobody knew him before joining Undisputed. After all, he was already a Super Bowl champion and was once a record-holder of every statistical record for tight ends.

After his stint with FS1, Sharpe joined ESPN following the network’s latest round of on-cam talent layoffs. He also continues to work on his Club Shay Shay podcast, wherein Smith has already been a guest.