Stephen A. Smith reveals whether he agreed with ESPN’s Skip Bayless decision after network distanced itself from departing FS1 co-host

Stephen A. Smith admits he would not have given his seal of approval if ESPN consulted him about the possibility of rehiring Skip Bayless.

Bayless’ eight-year run at FS1 is set to come to an end after reports emerged on Monday claiming he will be co-hosting his final ‘Undisputed’ show this summer.

Following the news of his Fox Sports exit, rumors quickly began to circulate that ESPN – where Bayless previously spent nine years – could look to bring the controversial sports analyst back to their network.

That speculation soon ended, however, when ESPN released a statement to distance itself from their former commentator, instead stressing that they are satisfied with their current First Take lineup and are not looking to add to it.

Smith, who enjoyed a famous partnership with Bayless during their time on First Take together, remains one of the faces of ESPN today and is currently working alongside another of Bayless’ old colleagues in Shannon Sharpe.

Stephen A. Smith admits he would not have given his seal of approval if ESPN consulted him about the possibility of rehiring Skip Bayless

Some have questioned whether the 56-year-old voiced his disapproval after being consulted by ESPN officials about rehiring Bayless after his FS1 departure.

However, Smith insists he was not approached by anyone at the network – though if he had, his answer would have reflected theirs. 

‘Skip Bayless, ESPN did not consult with me. Again, they didn’t have to,’ he told his former TV partner on his YouTube channel.

‘But in fairness, and in the interest of transparency to the viewers and listeners out there, my contemporaries in this business and everybody else in between… had they asked me I would have said the same thing that ESPN said.

‘Skip Bayless and Stephen A. Smith together as partners, working across from each other on a debate show, is over. It’s been over. 

‘And this is not the first time I’ve said it, there’s no negativity or shame being thrown on Skip Bayless. I have moved on.’

Bayless is set to leave FS1 this summer, but ESPN has already distanced itself from rehiring him

Smith admits he would have given the same answer about bringing his former TV partner back

Smith previously mentioned that he and Bayless have not spoken to each other for a long time after the latter left ESPN to join FS1 back in 2016.

Yet despite their lack of contact, he still wishes his ex-colleague well as he seeks a new position.

‘But as I’ve stated on many occasions… I don’t root against my colleagues and contemporaries and certainly not my friends,’ he continued. 

‘Being on First Take and wanting to be No. 1 doesn’t mean I wanted Skip Bayless to fail, doesn’t mean that I want to see him out of the business.’