The new version of Undisputed made its long-awaited debut on FOX Sports 1 earlier in the week, and many viewers noticed that lead commentator Skip Bayless did not have as much time to speak or make his points. Joining Bayless on set were three former NFL players – Keyshawn Johnson; Richard Sherman and Michael Irvin – who he claims are his “dream team” of co-hosts.
The longtime debate presence made clear to viewers on Monday that it was the best morning of his career and a show that he was excited to be a part of. Nonetheless, viewers quickly picked up on a remark Bayless made to Johnson during one of their debates, saying that he spoke too much. Johnson replied by challenging Bayless, asserting that he did not just go and say that to him.
Indeed, Bayless was having trouble interjecting his thoughts into the conversation at times, which could partially be attributed to the absence of a genuine moderator. Even so, consumers shared on social media that Bayless seemed to fade into the background, and it is a sentiment former ESPN colleague Dan Le Batard seems to agree with.
“That’s three generations of the loudest loudmouths in football – three of them,” Le Batard said. “….Holy shit, Skip, they’re going to take your show. That’s not a terrible way to evolve at 70 if he’s willing to be the joke; if he’s willing to not take himself seriously and just allow the floor to a bunch of people who are really good at television.”
Le Batard discussed how established sports media professionals are slowly aging and is wondering what the platforms are going to sound like as people grow older. Bayless, 71, is one of the oldest members of the industry who has a daily television show and, according to Le Batard, is trying to “keep up” with Smith on First Take. Smith and Bayless previously worked together on the flagship debate program, which recently announced year-over-year viewership growth of 13 consecutive months.
“Stephen A. Smith – watch him closely because that dude’s a conqueror, and he’s already creating something outside of ESPN just in case some shit falls apart,” Le Batard said. “He’s talking a lot about, ‘I might be next,’ and he’s just building his own things and it’s going to be fun and it’s going to be different.”
Le Batard likened the new version of Undisputed to an amalgamation of different substances and hoping they are able to mesh with one another.
“Stephen A. just took the guy that was made by Skip [in] Shannon Sharpe; he just took him,” Le Batard said. “Skip Bayless’ answer is, ‘I’m going to pour tequila and rum and whisky together. They’re all good by themselves, and let’s see if we make a giant explosion.’”
