Sports fans and personalities were divided over Skip Bayless’ abrupt departure from Undisputed and Fox Sports 1 as a network.
On Friday, Bayless announced that it was his ‘last show on Undisputed,’ ending an eight-year run on the program. He also shared that he is leaving FS1, as he has been ‘planning to pursue other opportunities for several months.’
Following his sudden exit, users were split over the nature of his departure and speculated over the terms he left. His former FS1 colleague Nick Wright paid tribute to Bayless, calling his FS1 tenure ‘a truly legendary run.’
‘Very few people, in any industry, can say they helped create & define an entire genre,’ Wright wrote. ‘Skip did that. Salute & good luck in whatever he does moving forward.’
However, others disagreed strongly with the First Things First host. User Matt Williams reposted Wright’s statement and was critical over Bayless’ career and lack of positive contribution.
Sports fans and personalities were divided over Skip Bayless’ abrupt departure from FS1
‘All Skip Bayless did was pilot sports related talk shows into a cesspool of drivel and uneducated hot takes,’ he wrote. ‘The man was a net negative on society and contributed nothing of value. Get the f*** outta here dude.’
Another user @veldous was on the same boat as Williams, insisting that ‘no one cares’ about Bayless’ departure.
‘It’s very appropriate that Skip Bayless went off the air the other day and literally no one cares,’ the user wrote. ‘It’s not enough that he helped murder sports discourse, it’s that no one will ever remember a single worthwhile thing he ever said in 20+ yrs. What an absolute waste of a career.
Meanwhile, user Ian Cameron seemed to speculate that Bayless was dismissed due to Undisputed’s recent dip in ratings.
Nick Wright insisted Bayless had a legendary run, however, others disagreed with him
‘The idea that Skip Bayless says he was seeking other opportunities this entire time leading to him ‘leaving’ Undisputed is a bunch of nonsense and he’s said a lot of nonsense over the years,’ he wrote.
‘The ratings tanked, the show sucked and the executives at FOX pulled the plug. Period.’
Bayless’ former co-host, Shannon Sharpe, left FS1 in 2023 after seven years on Undisputed. Sharpe took his talents to ESPN to join Stephen A. Smith on First Take, Bayless’ former show.
While Bayless expressed that he is ‘excited for what’s next,’ the network also released a statement thanking him for his services.
Bayless left FOX Sports after eight years on the network, hosting Undisputed
Shannon Sharpe left the program in 2023 and took his talents to ESPN and First Take
‘The FOX Sports family thanks Skip Bayless for his outstanding contributions at FS1,’ the network wrote. ‘As a founding member of the show UNDISPUTED and known as the godfather of sports debate, Skip has been a cornerstone of our network and driving force in sports commentary.
‘His passion, insight, and distinctive voice have entertained audiences and captivated sports fans throughout the years. We wish Skip continued success in his future endeavors.’
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