Stephen A. Smith says he wants Shannon Sharpe back on ‘First Take.’ Yes, the same Shannon Sharpe who helped turn the show into daytime sports chaos mixed with a family barbecue argument.
Apparently, Stephen A. misses the magic, and by magic, we mean two grown men passionately debating basketball while sounding like they’re about to challenge each other to a parking lot sprint.
To be fair, Shannon Sharpe brought energy to “First Take” that felt impossible to fake. The man could walk into a debate about the NBA salary cap and somehow make it sound like a sermon at a Southern church revival. And honestly? The chemistry worked.
Smith is ready to see that come to an end, he revealed on a recent episode of the “Out The Mud” podcast hosted by former NBA players Zach Randolph and Tony Allen.
While one would assume Smith has enormous sway to make that happen considering all the success he has had for ESPN, he noted that it is not ultimately his decision to bring Sharpe back, although he has told the network that’s what he wants.
“I’m always going to want him back. The company knows I want him back,” Smith said on the “Out The Mud” podcast.
“Now, y’all going to do what y’all got to do because I’m the executive producer, but I’m not an executive VP of the company,” Smith said. “I have bosses to answer to. They have to make that decision. But they already know I want him back. If we can get him back, I want him back, I ain’t apologizing for that to nobody. He was great for me. He was great to me, and I’m not gonna forget that. He was great for the show.”
Stephen also touched on his relationship with Shannon Sharpe saying he’s got no issues with him.
“No, I will say this, Stephen A. has called me and been there every step of the way. I will say that. I will say, Stephen A. has reached out, he’s called, asked me anything,” Sharpe said. “I know a lot of people say a lot of things about Stephen A.,but all I can attest to is the way Stephen A. is with Shannon. And he’s been great.”
If Sharpe does return, expect instant fireworks, expect viral clips, expect Stephen A. pounding the desk while Shannon laughs like he already knows the argument is over. Most importantly, expect the internet to spend every morning turning their debates into memes before lunchtime.
Love or hate them, Stephen A. Smith and Shannon Sharpe together are basically the NBA Finals of sports yelling.
