Shannon Sharpe Issues Apology After Mistaking Stephen A. Smith for ‘Skip
NFL Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe made his much-anticipated debut on ESPN’s First Take on Monday, September 4, 2023. However, just minutes into the show, Sharpe accidentally referred to his new co-host Stephen A. Smith as “Skip” Bayless, not once, but twice.
The slip-up quickly caught the attention of viewers, with fans taking to social media to react to the mix-up. Sharpe, who co-hosted Undisputed on FS1 alongside Skip Bayless for seven years, seemed to have fallen into the familiar habit of addressing his former colleague, causing the unintentional blunder.
Fans expressed a range of emotions online. While some found the mistake amusing and understandable given Sharpe’s long tenure with Bayless, others were more critical, calling it an embarrassing start to his new gig with Stephen A. Smith. Clips of the moment began circulating across Twitter and Instagram, with fans playfully roasting Sharpe for the error.
Sharpe quickly moved past the awkward moment, continuing to engage in lively sports debates with Stephen A. Smith for the remainder of the show. The debut otherwise went smoothly, with the two seasoned commentators bringing their trademark energy and opinions to the table.
Despite the slip-up, Sharpe’s move to First Take has been eagerly anticipated by sports fans, and his partnership with Stephen A. Smith is expected to bring a new dynamic to the show. The former NFL star’s sharp wit and insightful commentary have made him a fan favorite over the years, and viewers will likely move on from this small misstep as Sharpe settles into his new role.
For now, though, the internet isn’t letting the “Skip” moment go unnoticed, making it a memorable moment from Sharpe’s First Take debut.
