Skip’s Bayless’s bosses at FOX aren’t thought to be happy with him at the moment.
The star television analyst has been without a debate partner since Shannon Sharpe left ‘Undisputed’ at the end of the NBA season earlier this year and has struggled to find a replacement.
Stephen A. Smith managed to find a working formula after Max Kellerman was taken off ‘First Take’ in 2021, with a rotating panel of journalists debating him on the show. While the style has been very successful for The Worldwide Leader in Sports, FOX doesn’t think it will have the same effect on their end.
According to FrontOfficeSports, Skip’s plan to copy the strategy was met with stiff opposition within the company.
FS1 executives have held auditions with several candidates over the last few weeks.
The likes of Rachel Nichols, Lil’ Wayne, Richard Sherman, and Keyshwan Johnson have been considered for roles alongside Bayless but there are concerns that such a cast would not be able to compete with ESPN’s football-focused lineup, which could include Sharpe as Stephen A. has confirmed a deal for the NFL Hall of Famer to join him is in the works.
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“This is it? This is literally copying exactly what ESPN is doing. And it will make a bad show worse. Rachel Nichols has never been a debater or given opinions. She’s a great interviewer. So this is a classic miscast,” an unnamed TV talent, told the publication.
“Lil Wayne is Skip’s barbecue buddy. Sherman has potential. But Keyshawn just got laid off by ESPN — and is looking for his next gig. This shows me they’re having trouble finding major talents to work with Skip.”
The likes of LeSean McCoy and Nick Wright have also been rumored as potential replacements for Sharpe. But it’s recently been reported that Skip does not want to work with Wright.
