The 'First Take' commentator will likely leave before his contract with ESPN expires.
Skip Bayless has decided to walk away from the ESPN network. The commentator’s final appearance as co-host on First Take will conclude after the NBA Finals, likely in June, even though his contract expires in August.
ESPN executives are proud to have worked with the talented columnist and personality. “We want to thank Skip for his many contributions to ESPN. His hard work and talent have benefited ESPN for 12 years,”
Fox Sports National Networks president, Jamie Horowitz, told Sporting News earlier this year that he is looking for more vibrant people to join the show, adding emphasis to Bayless’ long career and contributions.
“I look at these ‘opinionists’ like superstars in the NBA. You can probably name the dozen superstars who are out there. It’s like asking the Celtics, ‘Are you interested in Kevin Durant?’ Yes, we’re interested in all the superstars. Of course, I’m interested in Skip,” Horowitz stated in the interview.
“I’m interested in Stephen A. and Michael and Jemele and Kornheiser and Wilbon. Just like ESPN and Fox were both interested in Colin.”
Horowitz would also like more conversation-driven programming on the network, claiming that audiences are now catching game highlights using their mobile phones and other portable devices.
Skip Bayless is one of several people that have either left or have been fired by ESPN. These include Bill Simmons, Keith Olbermann, Colin Cowherd, Mike Tirico, and Curt Schilling.
Bayless has worked with ESPN full-time since 2004, joining Woody Paige in short debate segments on the show Cold Pizza, which was later replaced by First Take.
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