Shannon Sharpe to Join ESPN’s ‘First Take’ in September
Months after ending his tenure on FS1’s Undisputed opposite Skip Bayless, Shannon Sharpe is joining that show’s chief rival.
On Thursday morning, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith confirmed longstanding reports that Sharpe will join his show, First Take. Sharpe will join the rotating cast of characters who debate Smith on a wide range of sports topics, starting on Sept. 4.
“Official this morning, Mr. Shannon Sharpe will be joining the crew,” Smith said. “He will debut Monday, September 4. He will on here every Monday and Tuesday with yours truly.”
In true Stephen A. fashion, he issued a warning to his new sparring partner as well.
“To my brother Shannon Sharpe, first of all thank you for joining the show. Secondly, condolences in advance. You’re not used to getting beat down.”
In addition, Smith teased “another announcement” coming in around a week.
This marks the second major piece of news for Sharpe’s media career in as many days. On Wednesday, he announced that he is taking his Club Shay Shay podcast to Colin Cowherd’s “The Volume” media network, reuniting him with a former FS1 colleague.
Sharpe won’t be appearing opposite Skip Bayless anymore, but there will be no shortage of his takes throughout sports media when football season rolls around.
