Skip Bayless is leaving the company he’s called home the past dozen years.
“Skip Bayless has decided to leave ESPN when his contract expires at the end of August,” a company spokesperson said on Tuesday. “His final appearance on ‘First Take’ will be the day after the NBA Finals conclude.”
The company continued: “We want to thank Skip for his many contributions to ESPN. His hard work and talent have benefited ESPN for 12 years.”
“First Take” will continue on sans Skip, no one has been tapped for his chair as of yet. Stephen A. Smith is the guy who yaps from the other end of the popular morning show’s debate table. “First Take” is moderated these days by Molly Qerim.
the highly polarizing Bayless is jumping ship for competitor Fox Sports, which explains the early exodus. Fox Sports did not immediately return TheWrap’s request for comment on Bayless’ apparent next stop.
It’s one that would make sense, however, as the very outspoken Bayless has a good relationship with Fox Sports National Networks President Jamie Horowitz, who also hails from ESPN. Just last month, the executive told The Sporting News that he was courting his former colleague: “Of course, I’m interested in Skip,” Horowitz said.
Per Sports Illustrated’s Richard Deitsch, ESPN had previously been prepared to offer Bayless $4 million annually in his next contract.
Bayless first made his mark in print, mostly in the Dallas market.
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