"If ESPN Radio wanted to make the strongest statement possible about its commitment to the platform, there may not have been a better option available at this moment than bringing Mike Golic home. Sometimes the smartest move isn't chasing what's next. It's recognizing the value of what already worked."
"I'm saddened that it's often the largest media companies — those that rely on creative content and entertainment — that repeatedly eliminate the very people who helped build those organizations into the giants they have become."
"The ratio between current discussion and recycled nostalgia felt completely out of balance. This approach seemed better suited for a podcast audience than a network television production."
"ESPN doesn’t need nostalgia—it needs impact. And impact is exactly what a recurring role for Bayless on First Take could deliver. The history is proven, the attention is guaranteed, and the interest is already built in."
"Motherf****rs be trying to tell you how to play the game. Come play my position, Skip. Cause I can do what you do. I do it better sometimes. So, what are we talking about here?"
"It’s a lot of like really loud comments that will maybe go viral. ‘I might not believe in it, but it’s gonna go viral, and people are going to know who I am.’ Man, I will quit before I ever do that."
"There are a lot of people who have left traditional media and haven’t had the success that I’ve had. I don’t have a machine with me, so I think some of the machines are sitting there saying he’s done all of this by himself, and he’s surpassed most of those who do have machines"
"Despite already being one of the most recognizable figures in sports media, he’s never stopped trying new things or finding new ways to connect with his audience"
"If ESPN Radio wanted to make the strongest statement possible about its commitment to the platform, there may not have been a better option available at this moment than bringing Mike Golic home. Sometimes the smartest move isn't chasing what's next. It's recognizing the value of what already worked."
"I'm saddened that it's often the largest media companies — those that rely on creative content and entertainment — that repeatedly eliminate the very people who helped build those organizations into the giants they have become."