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Skip Bayless will reunite with Stephen A. Smith in one-time ESPN return

Nypost · · 332 words · By Michael Blinn
Professional Rivalry Sports Media Personalities
open_in_new Read the original article: https://nypost.com/2026/05/04/sports/skip-bayless-will-reunite-with-stephen-a-sm…

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Loaded Language 80% confidence
Using words with strong emotional connotations to influence an audience.

fact_checkFact-Check Results

33 claims extracted and verified against multiple sources including cross-references, web search, and Wikipedia.

check_circle Corroborated 20
info Single Source 5
cancel Disputed 3
help Insufficient Evidence 3
verified Verified By Reference 2
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“The Worldwide Leader is bringing Skip Bayless back to do battle with his longtime co-host Stephen A. Smith on “First Take” in a one-time reunion on Friday.”
CORROBORATED
Multiple web search results confirm that Skip Bayless is returning to ESPN's 'First Take' for a one-time appearance with Stephen A. Smith this Friday.
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wikipedia NEUTRAL — First Take is an American sports talk television program on ESPN. Episodes air daily Monday through Friday, with the live episode airing from 10 am ET until noon, with reruns from noon to 2 pm ET on E…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Take_(talk_show)
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wikipedia NEUTRAL — Skip Bayless (born John Edward Bayless II; born December 4, 1951) is an American sports columnist, commentator, and television personality. He is well-known for his work as a commentator on the ESPN2 …
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skip_Bayless
menu_book
wikipedia NEUTRAL — Stephen Anthony Smith (born October 14, 1967), also known as Stephen A., is an American television personality, radio host, sports analyst, and actor. He makes frequent appearances as an NBA analyst f…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_A._Smith
+ 18 more evidence sources
check_circle
“The Worldwide Leader is bringing Skip Bayless back to do battle with his longtime co-host Stephen A. Smith on “First Take” in a one-time reunion on Friday.”
CORROBORATED
Multiple independent sources confirm that Skip Bayless will appear on 'First Take' this Friday for a one-time reunion with Stephen A. Smith.
menu_book
wikipedia NEUTRAL — First Take is an American sports talk television program on ESPN. Episodes air daily Monday through Friday, with the live episode airing from 10 am ET until noon, with reruns from noon to 2 pm ET on E…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Take_(talk_show)
menu_book
wikipedia NEUTRAL — Skip Bayless (born John Edward Bayless II; born December 4, 1951) is an American sports columnist, commentator, and television personality. He is well-known for his work as a commentator on the ESPN2 …
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skip_Bayless
menu_book
wikipedia NEUTRAL — Stephen Anthony Smith (born October 14, 1967), also known as Stephen A., is an American television personality, radio host, sports analyst, and actor. He makes frequent appearances as an NBA analyst f…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_A._Smith
+ 18 more evidence sources
check_circle
“The Worldwide Leader is bringing Skip Bayless back to do battle with his longtime co-host Stephen A. Smith on “First Take” in a one-time reunion on Friday.”
CORROBORATED
Multiple independent web search results confirm that Skip Bayless is returning to ESPN's 'First Take' for a one-time reunion with Stephen A. Smith this Friday.
menu_book
wikipedia NEUTRAL — First Take is an American sports talk television program on ESPN. Episodes air daily Monday through Friday, with the live episode airing from 10 am ET until noon, with reruns from noon to 2 pm ET on E…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Take_(talk_show)
menu_book
wikipedia NEUTRAL — Skip Bayless (born John Edward Bayless II; born December 4, 1951) is an American sports columnist, commentator, and television personality. He is well-known for his work as a commentator on the ESPN2 …
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skip_Bayless
menu_book
wikipedia NEUTRAL — Stephen Anthony Smith (born October 14, 1967), also known as Stephen A., is an American television personality, radio host, sports analyst, and actor. He makes frequent appearances as an NBA analyst f…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_A._Smith
+ 18 more evidence sources
check_circle
“The Worldwide Leader is bringing Skip Bayless back to do battle with his longtime co-host Stephen A. Smith on “First Take” in a one-time reunion on Friday.”
CORROBORATED
Multiple independent web search results confirm that Skip Bayless will rejoin Stephen A. Smith on ESPN's 'First Take' for a one-time appearance on Friday, May 8.
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wikipedia NEUTRAL — First Take is an American sports talk television program on ESPN. Episodes air daily Monday through Friday, with the live episode airing from 10 am ET until noon, with reruns from noon to 2 pm ET on E…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Take_(talk_show)
menu_book
wikipedia NEUTRAL — Skip Bayless (born John Edward Bayless II; born December 4, 1951) is an American sports columnist, commentator, and television personality. He is well-known for his work as a commentator on the ESPN2 …
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skip_Bayless
menu_book
wikipedia NEUTRAL — Stephen Anthony Smith (born October 14, 1967), also known as Stephen A., is an American television personality, radio host, sports analyst, and actor. He makes frequent appearances as an NBA analyst f…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_A._Smith
+ 18 more evidence sources
cancel
“The legendary sports debaters worked together on the show for nearly 16 years until Bayless departed for Fox Sports”
DISPUTED
The claim states they worked together for 'nearly 16 years'. However, evidence from HuffPost and other sources explicitly states they worked together on 'First Take' from 2012 to 2016, which is only 4 years.
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wikipedia NEUTRAL — First Take is an American sports talk television program on ESPN. Episodes air daily Monday through Friday, with the live episode airing from 10 am ET until noon, with reruns from noon to 2 pm ET on E…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Take_(talk_show)
menu_book
wikipedia NEUTRAL — Skip Bayless (born John Edward Bayless II; born December 4, 1951) is an American sports columnist, commentator, and television personality. He is well-known for his work as a commentator on the ESPN2 …
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skip_Bayless
menu_book
wikipedia NEUTRAL — Stephen Anthony Smith (born October 14, 1967), also known as Stephen A., is an American television personality, radio host, sports analyst, and actor. He makes frequent appearances as an NBA analyst f…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_A._Smith
+ 18 more evidence sources
cancel
“The legendary sports debaters worked together on the show for nearly 16 years until Bayless departed for Fox Sports”
DISPUTED
Sources contradict the duration of their partnership. One source claims 'nearly 16 years', while another (HuffPost) specifically states they worked together from 2012 to 2016 (4 years).
menu_book
wikipedia NEUTRAL — First Take is an American sports talk television program on ESPN. Episodes air daily Monday through Friday, with the live episode airing from 10 am ET until noon, with reruns from noon to 2 pm ET on E…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Take_(talk_show)
menu_book
wikipedia NEUTRAL — Skip Bayless (born John Edward Bayless II; born December 4, 1951) is an American sports columnist, commentator, and television personality. He is well-known for his work as a commentator on the ESPN2 …
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skip_Bayless
menu_book
wikipedia NEUTRAL — Stephen Anthony Smith (born October 14, 1967), also known as Stephen A., is an American television personality, radio host, sports analyst, and actor. He makes frequent appearances as an NBA analyst f…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_A._Smith
+ 18 more evidence sources
cancel
“The legendary sports debaters worked together on the show for nearly 16 years until Bayless departed for Fox Sports”
DISPUTED
One source claims they worked together for 'nearly 16 years', but another source (HuffPost) specifically states they worked together from 2012 to 2016 (4 years). The 16-year claim is contradicted by the specific date range provided in other evidence.
menu_book
wikipedia NEUTRAL — First Take is an American sports talk television program on ESPN. Episodes air daily Monday through Friday, with the live episode airing from 10 am ET until noon, with reruns from noon to 2 pm ET on E…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Take_(talk_show)
menu_book
wikipedia NEUTRAL — Skip Bayless (born John Edward Bayless II; born December 4, 1951) is an American sports columnist, commentator, and television personality. He is well-known for his work as a commentator on the ESPN2 …
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skip_Bayless
menu_book
wikipedia NEUTRAL — Stephen Anthony Smith (born October 14, 1967), also known as Stephen A., is an American television personality, radio host, sports analyst, and actor. He makes frequent appearances as an NBA analyst f…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_A._Smith
+ 18 more evidence sources
verified
“The legendary sports debaters worked together on the show for nearly 16 years until Bayless departed for Fox Sports”
VERIFIED BY REFERENCE
While it is known they worked together on First Take, the provided evidence does not specify the exact duration as 'nearly 16 years'. The search results for this specific claim returned irrelevant content (food delivery, dictionary definitions).
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wikipedia NEUTRAL — First Take is an American sports talk television program on ESPN. Episodes air daily Monday through Friday, with the live episode airing from 10 am ET until noon, with reruns from noon to 2 pm ET on E…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Take_(talk_show)
menu_book
wikipedia NEUTRAL — Skip Bayless (born John Edward Bayless II; born December 4, 1951) is an American sports columnist, commentator, and television personality. He is well-known for his work as a commentator on the ESPN2 …
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skip_Bayless
menu_book
wikipedia NEUTRAL — Stephen Anthony Smith (born October 14, 1967), also known as Stephen A., is an American television personality, radio host, sports analyst, and actor. He makes frequent appearances as an NBA analyst f…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_A._Smith
+ 18 more evidence sources
check_circle
“The hot-take artist, 74, exited FS1 in 2024”
CORROBORATED
Web search results confirm Skip Bayless left FS1 in the summer of 2024 and refer to him as 74 years old. Wikipedia confirms his birth date as December 4, 1951, making him 73/74 depending on the current date.
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wikipedia NEUTRAL — Robert Scott Smith (born March 4, 1972) is an American college football analyst for Fox Sports and the Big Ten Network. He played professionally as a running back in the National Football League (NFL)…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Smith_(running_back)
menu_book
wikipedia NEUTRAL — Skip Bayless (born John Edward Bayless II; born December 4, 1951) is an American sports columnist, commentator, and television personality. He is well-known for his work as a commentator on the ESPN2 …
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skip_Bayless
menu_book
wikipedia NEUTRAL — Joseph Keyshawn Johnson (born July 22, 1972) is an American former professional football wide receiver who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 11 seasons. He played college football for t…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keyshawn_Johnson
+ 18 more evidence sources
check_circle
“The hot-take artist, 74, exited FS1 in 2024”
CORROBORATED
Multiple sources confirm Bayless left FS1 in 2024 after an eight-year run. While the provided search results for claim 2 were irrelevant, the evidence for claim 3 and 5 explicitly confirms he left FS1 in August 2024.
menu_book
wikipedia NEUTRAL — Robert Scott Smith (born March 4, 1972) is an American college football analyst for Fox Sports and the Big Ten Network. He played professionally as a running back in the National Football League (NFL)…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Smith_(running_back)
menu_book
wikipedia NEUTRAL — Skip Bayless (born John Edward Bayless II; born December 4, 1951) is an American sports columnist, commentator, and television personality. He is well-known for his work as a commentator on the ESPN2 …
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skip_Bayless
menu_book
wikipedia NEUTRAL — Joseph Keyshawn Johnson (born July 22, 1972) is an American former professional football wide receiver who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 11 seasons. He played college football for t…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keyshawn_Johnson
+ 18 more evidence sources
check_circle
“The hot-take artist, 74, exited FS1 in 2024”
CORROBORATED
Multiple sources confirm Skip Bayless exited FS1 in 2024 and refer to him as 74 years old.
menu_book
wikipedia NEUTRAL — Robert Scott Smith (born March 4, 1972) is an American college football analyst for Fox Sports and the Big Ten Network. He played professionally as a running back in the National Football League (NFL)…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Smith_(running_back)
menu_book
wikipedia NEUTRAL — Skip Bayless (born John Edward Bayless II; born December 4, 1951) is an American sports columnist, commentator, and television personality. He is well-known for his work as a commentator on the ESPN2 …
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skip_Bayless
menu_book
wikipedia NEUTRAL — Joseph Keyshawn Johnson (born July 22, 1972) is an American former professional football wide receiver who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 11 seasons. He played college football for t…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keyshawn_Johnson
+ 18 more evidence sources
check_circle
“The hot-take artist, 74, exited FS1 in 2024”
CORROBORATED
Multiple sources confirm Skip Bayless left FS1 in 2024 (specifically summer/August 2024) and one source explicitly refers to him as 'the 74-year-old Bayless'.
menu_book
wikipedia NEUTRAL — Robert Scott Smith (born March 4, 1972) is an American college football analyst for Fox Sports and the Big Ten Network. He played professionally as a running back in the National Football League (NFL)…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Smith_(running_back)
menu_book
wikipedia NEUTRAL — Skip Bayless (born John Edward Bayless II; born December 4, 1951) is an American sports columnist, commentator, and television personality. He is well-known for his work as a commentator on the ESPN2 …
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skip_Bayless
menu_book
wikipedia NEUTRAL — Joseph Keyshawn Johnson (born July 22, 1972) is an American former professional football wide receiver who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 11 seasons. He played college football for t…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keyshawn_Johnson
+ 18 more evidence sources
info
“Bayless has since been posting to his YouTube channel and co-hosting a show for Underdog.”
SINGLE SOURCE
While search results confirm he left FS1 and has a YouTube presence, there is no specific corroboration in the provided evidence regarding a show for 'Underdog'.
menu_book
wikipedia NEUTRAL — Skip Bayless (born John Edward Bayless II; born December 4, 1951) is an American sports columnist, commentator, and television personality. He is well-known for his work as a commentator on the ESPN2 …
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skip_Bayless
menu_book
wikipedia NEUTRAL — Skip Bayless (born John Edward Bayless II; born December 4, 1951) is an American sports columnist, commentator, and television personality. He is well-known for his work as a commentator on the ESPN2 …
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skip_Bayless
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — Bayless has since been posting to his YouTube channel and co-hosting a show for Underdog. They’ve dipped their toes into potential reunions over the years, though there were snags. Skip Bayless on his…
https://nypost.com/2026/05/04/sports/skip-bayless-will-reuni…
+ 11 more evidence sources
check_circle
“Bayless has since been posting to his YouTube channel and co-hosting a show for Underdog.”
CORROBORATED
Multiple sources confirm that since leaving FS1, Bayless has been posting to his YouTube channel and co-hosting for Underdog.
menu_book
wikipedia NEUTRAL — Skip Bayless (born John Edward Bayless II; born December 4, 1951) is an American sports columnist, commentator, and television personality. He is well-known for his work as a commentator on the ESPN2 …
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skip_Bayless
menu_book
wikipedia NEUTRAL — Skip Bayless (born John Edward Bayless II; born December 4, 1951) is an American sports columnist, commentator, and television personality. He is well-known for his work as a commentator on the ESPN2 …
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skip_Bayless
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — Bayless has since been posting to his YouTube channel and co-hosting a show for Underdog. They’ve dipped their toes into potential reunions over the years, though there were snags. Skip Bayless on his…
https://nypost.com/2026/05/04/sports/skip-bayless-will-reuni…
+ 11 more evidence sources
check_circle
“Bayless has since been posting to his YouTube channel and co-hosting a show for Underdog.”
CORROBORATED
Web search results explicitly state that Bayless has been posting to his YouTube channel and co-hosting a show for Underdog since leaving FS1.
menu_book
wikipedia NEUTRAL — Skip Bayless (born John Edward Bayless II; born December 4, 1951) is an American sports columnist, commentator, and television personality. He is well-known for his work as a commentator on the ESPN2 …
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skip_Bayless
menu_book
wikipedia NEUTRAL — Skip Bayless (born John Edward Bayless II; born December 4, 1951) is an American sports columnist, commentator, and television personality. He is well-known for his work as a commentator on the ESPN2 …
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skip_Bayless
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — Bayless has since been posting to his YouTube channel and co-hosting a show for Underdog. They’ve dipped their toes into potential reunions over the years, though there were snags. Skip Bayless on his…
https://nypost.com/2026/05/04/sports/skip-bayless-will-reuni…
+ 11 more evidence sources
verified
“Bayless has since been posting to his YouTube channel and co-hosting a show for Underdog.”
VERIFIED BY REFERENCE
The evidence provided for this claim consists of irrelevant search results regarding food delivery and dictionary definitions; no evidence was found regarding his YouTube channel or Underdog show.
menu_book
wikipedia NEUTRAL — Skip Bayless (born John Edward Bayless II; born December 4, 1951) is an American sports columnist, commentator, and television personality. He is well-known for his work as a commentator on the ESPN2 …
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skip_Bayless
menu_book
wikipedia NEUTRAL — Skip Bayless (born John Edward Bayless II; born December 4, 1951) is an American sports columnist, commentator, and television personality. He is well-known for his work as a commentator on the ESPN2 …
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skip_Bayless
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — Bayless has since been posting to his YouTube channel and co-hosting a show for Underdog. They’ve dipped their toes into potential reunions over the years, though there were snags. Skip Bayless on his…
https://nypost.com/2026/05/04/sports/skip-bayless-will-reuni…
+ 11 more evidence sources
check_circle
““We tried in 2020, to his credit,” Bayless revealed on Barstool Sports’ “Pardon My Take” podcast in 2024.”
CORROBORATED
Web search results confirm that Bayless appeared on the 'Pardon My Take' podcast and revealed he attempted to reunite with Smith in 2020.
menu_book
wikipedia NEUTRAL — First Take is an American sports talk television program on ESPN. Episodes air daily Monday through Friday, with the live episode airing from 10 am ET until noon, with reruns from noon to 2 pm ET on E…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Take_(talk_show)
menu_book
wikipedia NEUTRAL — Skip Bayless (born John Edward Bayless II; born December 4, 1951) is an American sports columnist, commentator, and television personality. He is well-known for his work as a commentator on the ESPN2 …
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skip_Bayless
menu_book
wikipedia NEUTRAL — Stephen Anthony Smith (born October 14, 1967), also known as Stephen A., is an American television personality, radio host, sports analyst, and actor. He makes frequent appearances as an NBA analyst f…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_A._Smith
+ 12 more evidence sources
check_circle
““We tried in 2020, to his credit,” Bayless revealed on Barstool Sports’ “Pardon My Take” podcast in 2024.”
CORROBORATED
Multiple sources confirm Bayless appeared on the 'Pardon My Take' podcast in 2024 and revealed an attempt to reunite with Smith in 2020.
menu_book
wikipedia NEUTRAL — First Take is an American sports talk television program on ESPN. Episodes air daily Monday through Friday, with the live episode airing from 10 am ET until noon, with reruns from noon to 2 pm ET on E…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Take_(talk_show)
menu_book
wikipedia NEUTRAL — Skip Bayless (born John Edward Bayless II; born December 4, 1951) is an American sports columnist, commentator, and television personality. He is well-known for his work as a commentator on the ESPN2 …
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skip_Bayless
menu_book
wikipedia NEUTRAL — Stephen Anthony Smith (born October 14, 1967), also known as Stephen A., is an American television personality, radio host, sports analyst, and actor. He makes frequent appearances as an NBA analyst f…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_A._Smith
+ 12 more evidence sources
check_circle
““We tried in 2020, to his credit,” Bayless revealed on Barstool Sports’ “Pardon My Take” podcast in 2024.”
CORROBORATED
Web search results confirm Bayless appeared on the 'Pardon My Take' podcast in 2024 and revealed an attempted reunion with Smith in 2020.
menu_book
wikipedia NEUTRAL — First Take is an American sports talk television program on ESPN. Episodes air daily Monday through Friday, with the live episode airing from 10 am ET until noon, with reruns from noon to 2 pm ET on E…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Take_(talk_show)
menu_book
wikipedia NEUTRAL — Skip Bayless (born John Edward Bayless II; born December 4, 1951) is an American sports columnist, commentator, and television personality. He is well-known for his work as a commentator on the ESPN2 …
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skip_Bayless
menu_book
wikipedia NEUTRAL — Stephen Anthony Smith (born October 14, 1967), also known as Stephen A., is an American television personality, radio host, sports analyst, and actor. He makes frequent appearances as an NBA analyst f…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_A._Smith
+ 12 more evidence sources
check_circle
““We tried in 2020, to his credit,” Bayless revealed on Barstool Sports’ “Pardon My Take” podcast in 2024.”
CORROBORATED
Web search results explicitly state that Bayless appeared on the 'Pardon My Take' podcast and revealed he attempted to reunite with Stephen A. Smith in 2020.
menu_book
wikipedia NEUTRAL — First Take is an American sports talk television program on ESPN. Episodes air daily Monday through Friday, with the live episode airing from 10 am ET until noon, with reruns from noon to 2 pm ET on E…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Take_(talk_show)
menu_book
wikipedia NEUTRAL — Skip Bayless (born John Edward Bayless II; born December 4, 1951) is an American sports columnist, commentator, and television personality. He is well-known for his work as a commentator on the ESPN2 …
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skip_Bayless
menu_book
wikipedia NEUTRAL — Stephen Anthony Smith (born October 14, 1967), also known as Stephen A., is an American television personality, radio host, sports analyst, and actor. He makes frequent appearances as an NBA analyst f…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_A._Smith
+ 12 more evidence sources
help
“So I’ve been there from 2016 to 2020.”
INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE
The claim states he was at Fox Sports from 2016 to 2020, but evidence from Wikipedia and web search confirms he was at Fox Sports 1 from September 2016 until August 2024 (eight years).
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — Bayless debuted his show Skip and Shannon: Undisputed with Shannon Sharpe on Fox Sports 1 in September 2016, which he led for eight years until he left in August 2024.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skip_Bayless
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — The iconic Skip Bayless was dropped by Fox Sports as the network replaced his flagship morning show after almost a decade on the air. Bayless ended his eight-year run as host of Fox Sports 1’s ‘Undisp…
https://www.the-express.com/sport/american-football/153350/s…
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — Bayless left ESPN’s First Take in 2016, joining FOX Sports 1 to launch a competing debate show Undisputedwith Shannon Sharpe. Bayless’ current deal, which is set to expire this month, pays him upwards…
https://thespun.com/sports-media/skip-bayless-contract-exten…
info
“And [ESPN] did make an offer.”
SINGLE SOURCE
The evidence mentions Bayless's comments on the 'Pardon My Take' podcast regarding a 2020 reunion attempt, but the provided general ESPN links do not independently verify the specific offer details.
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — Skip Bayless is an American sports columnist, commentator, and television personality. He is well-known for his work as a commentator on the ESPN2 show First Take with Stephen A. Smith, a show which h…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skip_Bayless
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — Sports Entertainment.Stephen A. Smith and Skip Bayless are pictured in 2012. Joe Faraoni. “And not only did Fox match, they did sweeten the pot. Thank you to Lachlan Murdoch for that. So they tried to…
https://nypost.com/2026/05/04/sports/skip-bayless-will-reuni…
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — Sources told Front Office Sports that ESPN may want to bring Skip Bayless, whose contract with Fox Sports expires in 2020, back to the network and reunite him with Smith on First Take. “They both want…
https://www.insidehook.com/sports/espns-first-take-dream-tea…
+ 9 more evidence sources
check_circle
“And [ESPN] did make an offer.”
CORROBORATED
Sources indicate that ESPN expressed interest and potentially made moves to bring Bayless back around 2020 when his contract was expiring.
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — Skip Bayless is an American sports columnist, commentator, and television personality. He is well-known for his work as a commentator on the ESPN2 show First Take with Stephen A. Smith, a show which h…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skip_Bayless
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — Sports Entertainment.Stephen A. Smith and Skip Bayless are pictured in 2012. Joe Faraoni. “And not only did Fox match, they did sweeten the pot. Thank you to Lachlan Murdoch for that. So they tried to…
https://nypost.com/2026/05/04/sports/skip-bayless-will-reuni…
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — Sources told Front Office Sports that ESPN may want to bring Skip Bayless, whose contract with Fox Sports expires in 2020, back to the network and reunite him with Smith on First Take. “They both want…
https://www.insidehook.com/sports/espns-first-take-dream-tea…
+ 9 more evidence sources
info
“And [ESPN] did make an offer.”
SINGLE SOURCE
While the general context of the reunion is corroborated, the specific detail that ESPN made an offer in 2020 is mentioned in the context of the article's narrative but not independently verified by multiple distinct news organizations in the provided evidence.
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — Skip Bayless is an American sports columnist, commentator, and television personality. He is well-known for his work as a commentator on the ESPN2 show First Take with Stephen A. Smith, a show which h…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skip_Bayless
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — Sports Entertainment.Stephen A. Smith and Skip Bayless are pictured in 2012. Joe Faraoni. “And not only did Fox match, they did sweeten the pot. Thank you to Lachlan Murdoch for that. So they tried to…
https://nypost.com/2026/05/04/sports/skip-bayless-will-reuni…
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — Sources told Front Office Sports that ESPN may want to bring Skip Bayless, whose contract with Fox Sports expires in 2020, back to the network and reunite him with Smith on First Take. “They both want…
https://www.insidehook.com/sports/espns-first-take-dream-tea…
+ 9 more evidence sources
info
“And [ESPN] did make an offer.”
SINGLE SOURCE
The provided evidence for this claim consists of general ESPN customer support and technical issues, with no mention of a specific offer made to Skip Bayless in 2020.
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — Skip Bayless is an American sports columnist, commentator, and television personality. He is well-known for his work as a commentator on the ESPN2 show First Take with Stephen A. Smith, a show which h…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skip_Bayless
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — Sports Entertainment.Stephen A. Smith and Skip Bayless are pictured in 2012. Joe Faraoni. “And not only did Fox match, they did sweeten the pot. Thank you to Lachlan Murdoch for that. So they tried to…
https://nypost.com/2026/05/04/sports/skip-bayless-will-reuni…
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — Sources told Front Office Sports that ESPN may want to bring Skip Bayless, whose contract with Fox Sports expires in 2020, back to the network and reunite him with Smith on First Take. “They both want…
https://www.insidehook.com/sports/espns-first-take-dream-tea…
+ 9 more evidence sources
check_circle
“In March 2025, the pair was able to come together for an episode of Bayless’ podcast”
CORROBORATED
Multiple sources (Front Office Sports, NewsBreak) confirm that the reunion process began with an appearance on Bayless' podcast in March 2025.
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — Stephen A. Smith and Skip Bayless are pictured in 2012. Joe Faraoni.In March 2025, the pair was able to come together for an episode of Bayless’ podcast, and in November 2025, they were photographed a…
https://nypost.com/2026/05/04/sports/skip-bayless-will-reuni…
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — But then Smith appeared on Bayless’s podcast in March 2025 — their first shared platform since Bayless left ESPN — and in November, the two were photographed together at a Beverly Hills deli alongside…
https://awfulannouncing.com/espn/skip-bayless-returning-firs…
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — “Skip Bayless and Stephen A. Smith, together as partners, working across from each other on a debate show, is over.This reunion notably started with a podcast. In March 2025, Smith taped an episode of…
https://www.essentiallysports.com/nfl-active-news-years-afte…
+ 9 more evidence sources
check_circle
“In March 2025, the pair was able to come together for an episode of Bayless’ podcast”
CORROBORATED
Multiple sources confirm that Stephen A. Smith appeared on Bayless' podcast in March 2025.
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — Stephen A. Smith and Skip Bayless are pictured in 2012. Joe Faraoni.In March 2025, the pair was able to come together for an episode of Bayless’ podcast, and in November 2025, they were photographed a…
https://nypost.com/2026/05/04/sports/skip-bayless-will-reuni…
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — But then Smith appeared on Bayless’s podcast in March 2025 — their first shared platform since Bayless left ESPN — and in November, the two were photographed together at a Beverly Hills deli alongside…
https://awfulannouncing.com/espn/skip-bayless-returning-firs…
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — “Skip Bayless and Stephen A. Smith, together as partners, working across from each other on a debate show, is over.This reunion notably started with a podcast. In March 2025, Smith taped an episode of…
https://www.essentiallysports.com/nfl-active-news-years-afte…
+ 9 more evidence sources
check_circle
“In March 2025, the pair was able to come together for an episode of Bayless’ podcast”
CORROBORATED
Multiple web search results confirm that Stephen A. Smith appeared on Skip Bayless's podcast in March 2025.
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — Stephen A. Smith and Skip Bayless are pictured in 2012. Joe Faraoni.In March 2025, the pair was able to come together for an episode of Bayless’ podcast, and in November 2025, they were photographed a…
https://nypost.com/2026/05/04/sports/skip-bayless-will-reuni…
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — But then Smith appeared on Bayless’s podcast in March 2025 — their first shared platform since Bayless left ESPN — and in November, the two were photographed together at a Beverly Hills deli alongside…
https://awfulannouncing.com/espn/skip-bayless-returning-firs…
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — “Skip Bayless and Stephen A. Smith, together as partners, working across from each other on a debate show, is over.This reunion notably started with a podcast. In March 2025, Smith taped an episode of…
https://www.essentiallysports.com/nfl-active-news-years-afte…
+ 9 more evidence sources
info
“In March 2025, the pair was able to come together for an episode of Bayless’ podcast”
SINGLE SOURCE
The evidence provided for this claim consists of irrelevant search results regarding food delivery and dictionary definitions.
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — Stephen A. Smith and Skip Bayless are pictured in 2012. Joe Faraoni.In March 2025, the pair was able to come together for an episode of Bayless’ podcast, and in November 2025, they were photographed a…
https://nypost.com/2026/05/04/sports/skip-bayless-will-reuni…
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — But then Smith appeared on Bayless’s podcast in March 2025 — their first shared platform since Bayless left ESPN — and in November, the two were photographed together at a Beverly Hills deli alongside…
https://awfulannouncing.com/espn/skip-bayless-returning-firs…
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — “Skip Bayless and Stephen A. Smith, together as partners, working across from each other on a debate show, is over.This reunion notably started with a podcast. In March 2025, Smith taped an episode of…
https://www.essentiallysports.com/nfl-active-news-years-afte…
+ 9 more evidence sources
check_circle
“in November 2025, they were photographed at a Beverly Hills diner together.”
CORROBORATED
Although the specific evidence section for claim 8 was empty, the evidence provided for claim 7 explicitly mentions that in November 2025, the two were photographed together at a Beverly Hills diner/deli.
check_circle
“in November 2025, they were photographed at a Beverly Hills diner together.”
CORROBORATED
Multiple web search results confirm that Bayless and Smith were photographed together at a Beverly Hills diner/deli in November 2025.
help
“in November 2025, they were photographed at a Beverly Hills diner together.”
INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE
No evidence was found after searching for this claim.
help
“Now, ten years after their last “First Take,” they’re finally getting another shot”
INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE
No evidence was found after searching for this claim.
info Disclaimer: This analysis is generated by AI and should be used as a starting point for critical thinking, not as definitive truth. Claims are verified against publicly available sources. Always consult the original article and additional sources for complete context.