Skip Bayless has been one of the defining voices of the sports media landscape over the past two decades and has left an indelible mark on the industry as a whole.
Nearly every sports show you watch these days takes influence from the heated debate-style format and hot take artistry that Bayless made so profitable alongside Stephen A. Smith and Shannon Sharpe for so long.
After so many years on the air, it took fans by surprise when Bayless recently announced on X that he was leaving FS1 and no longer hosting “Undisputed” while mentioning how excited he was for what’s next.
Today was my last show on Undisputed. I'm leaving FS1. I've been planning to pursue other opportunities for several months. I had a great 8-year run with a lot of great people at FOX, but now I'm excited for what’s coming up. Stay tuned.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) August 2, 2024
The announcement brought about a lot of reactions and a lot of different emotions.
Lebron James lasting longer in the NBA- than Skip Bayless on Undisputed warms my soul
— RMacs (@PhillyHotspur) August 2, 2024
Congratulations on a great career Skip your a pioneer for sports media and a legend wishing you the best
— . (@NbaK824) August 2, 2024
A lot of people have given a lot of hate over the years but nobody can deny you left a mark and your voice was heard.
— Matty (@mavs_cowboys_) August 2, 2024
You single-handedly made people care about the sports pundit. You're a household name and legend. Bravo @RealSkipBayless
— Omar Theron (@animalsteele) August 2, 2024
Bayless spent the past eight years with FS1 and gave little indication of what’s next for him, though if he follows the traditional path that many others have taken, it’ll probably be a podcast.
It’s unlikely Bayless will find another high-profile long-term partner to continue debating with on-air who can come close to matching the profile of Smith or Sharpe, as Bayless has ruffled a lot of feathers over the years and turned a lot of people off after his messy breakup with Sharpe.
Smith and Sharpe both quickly shut down any rumors of a reunion with Bayless, as the two have thrived alongside one another since Sharpe joined “First Take” on ESPN.
Keep an eye out to see what’s next for the 72-year-old Bayless.
Surely, we’ll find out sooner rather than later.
The post Fans React To Skip Bayless’ Big Announcement appeared first on The Cold Wire.
