Several years ago, Stephen A. Smith and Skip Bayless teamed up to host “First Take” on ESPN and helped give the show robust ratings on a regular basis.

But after four years together, the partnership ended when Bayless left to start his own show, “Undisputed,” on FOX Sports 1.

There have been rumors ever since that Smith and Bayless had a personal falling out which resulted in Bayless leaving, but Smith said he loves Bayless as a friend.

However, he didn’t say anything about reuniting with Bayless, who reportedly will be leaving “Undisputed” later this summer, per Michael McCarthy.

ESPN's @stephenasmith just addressed ex-TV partner's @RealSkipBayless exit at FS1 on his pod.

Said he loves Skip as a friend. He'll always be thankful to Skip for bringing him to First Take in 2012.

But Smith didn't say a word about bringing Skip back 2 ESPN or 'First Take'.'

— Michael McCarthy (@MMcCarthyREV) July 17, 2024

Smith has been a fixture with ESPN for many years, and his association with “First Take” since 2012 raised his profile on the network.

Bayless was the one who brought Smith to that show, and Smith remains thankful to Bayless as a result.

On “Undisputed,” Bayless was teamed up with Shannon Sharpe, a three-time Super Bowl champion, and for a few years, the show got very solid ratings.

But Sharpe left last year after his relationship with Bayless soured, and ratings fell sharply afterward.

Both “Undisputed” and “First Take” have had multiple co-hosts lately, with Sharpe becoming one of the co-hosts of “First Take” following his departure from “Undisputed.”

Meanwhile, Bayless has teamed up with former NFL stars Richard Sherman, Keyshawn Johnson and Michael Irvin on “Undisputed” over the past year or so.

Smith hasn’t been on his show lately, as he is in the midst of contract extension talks with ESPN.

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