If anyone thought First Take host Stephen A. Smith wanted to make Shannon Sharpe a permanent debate partner on the show, think again.
Stephen A. was among the contingent of ESPN personalities to voice support for Sharpe, who will be leaving Undisputed on FS1 at the conclusion of the NBA Finals. Smith said he would be happy to have Sharpe appear on First Take if ESPN happened to be his next shop.
But Stephen A. last week on his podcast The Stephen A. Smith Show clarified that if Sharpe came to ESPN, the football hall of famer wouldn’t be on every day.
“I got a lot of respect for Shannon Sharpe, but make no mistake about it, I love my crew,” Smith said. “I welcome Shannon Sharpe to First Take, but it would be in the mix of being part of the family. I’m not looking for an everyday person on First Take. So, for all of you clamoring for that, get over it.”
Stephen A. added that the revolving cast of talent that he engages with every day has worked well for him the last couple years. He doesn’t see a point in changing that.
“I like the potpourri of contributors,” he said. “I like the action and the excitement and the fun on the show. Adding people into the mix, is one thing. Changing the complete makeup and formula of the show is entirely different. And that ain’t happening, for anyone.”
