After seven years of highly energized debate and occasional controversy, Shannon Sharpe’s run on FS1’s “Skip and Shannon: Undisputed” is finally officially over.
During Tuesday’s show, Sharpe announced that it would be his last day working on the program, which he joined in 2016 after co-host Skip Bayless pushed Fox Sports to sign the Pro Football Hall of Famer.
“You fought for me, bro. I’m here because of you,” Sharpe said during a tear-filled farewell. “The opportunity that you gave me to become what I became, I’m very indebted to you. I’ll never forget what you did for me. You’ve helped me grow more than you’ll ever know.
“All I ask is when you lay your head on that pillow at night, know that I gave you everything I had.”
“I want to thank you for all you have given to me,” Bayless replied. “The greatest compliment I can give you is that you were a worthy adversary.”
Though they are ending on seemingly congenial terms, Sharpe’s departure ends a months-long rift between the two television personalities: In January, Front Office Sports reported that their relationship was at an “all-time low” following Bayless’ handling of the medical situation involving Buffalo Bills’ safety Damar Hamlin.
Fox now embarks on the unenviable task of either replacing Sharpe or keeping “Undisputed” going with only Bayless. Earlier this month, FOS reported that Bayless is expected to have the “final say” on any personnel addition — which could prove difficult given his professional reputation and public friction with previous co-hosts.
“Nothing happens on that show without Skip. They chose Skip over everything else,” said a source. “On ‘Undisputed,’ he makes all the calls, even when he’s off.”
