According to recent reports, sports columnist and commentator Skip Bayless is set to depart from FS1 after spending eight years with the network as the co-host of Undisputed. While this has led some people to speculate whether he was fired from the show, that is not the case according to available information.
Here is why Skip Bayless is leaving FS1.
Skip Bayless’ FS1 contract is ending
Bayless is reportedly exiting FS1 and Undisputed because his contract with the network is coming to an end.
The New York Post reported on Bayless’ departure on Monday, July 15, and reached out to him for comment. However, he sent them to Fox Sports PR, but they also didn’t provide a response to the queries. The veteran sports journalist will remain on air on FS1 until later in the summer this year.
Back in 2021, Bayless signed a four-year $32 million contract with Fox after ESPN’s efforts to restart his collaboration with Stephen A. Smith didn’t end with a positive outcome. Bayless served as an analyst on ESPN2’s First Take from 2007 to 2016, with Smith joining him in 2012.
Bayless’ former Undisputed co-host, Shannon Sharpe, left the show in 2023, about seven years after the series debuted on FS1. Undisputed then went on a hiatus that lasted a couple of months before returning and introducing a new version in which a rotating group of panelists appeared alongside Bayless. However, according to the New York Post, the audience response to this has been less than stellar.
Since the reports of Bayless’ departure began circulating, there have been speculations about the prospect of his return to ESPN. However, as reported by Bleacher Report, an ESPN spokesperson clarified to Michael McCarthy of Front Office Sports that Bayless would not rejoin First Take. “We are set with the current First Take rotation, and wish Skip the best on his future endeavors,” they said.
Smith echoed the sentiment while addressing the issue on his YouTube channel. “Skip Bayless and Stephen A. Smith, together as partners, working across from each other on a debate show, is over. It’s been over,” he said. “This is not the first time I’ve said it. There’s no negativity or shade being shown at Skip Bayless. I have moved on.”
Despite Bayless’ departure, Undisputed will likely continue to air on FS1.
