Could ESPN Reunite Stephen A. Smith And Shannon Sharpe

Stephen A. Smith says he still wants Shannon Sharpe back on First Take despite the controversy that led to Sharpe leaving ESPN’s top sports talk program.

Smith addressed the situation publicly while discussing his relationship with Sharpe and their years working together on air. Although Smith serves as an executive producer on First Take, he also made clear final decisions regarding talent remain outside his control.

Comments supporting Sharpe’s return gained attention after Awful Announcing shared video from Smith discussing the issue. According to Awful Announcing, Smith described Sharpe as a friend and admitted he missed working beside him after the fallout tied to Sharpe’s departure.

Sharpe stepped away from ESPN after allegations connected to a lawsuit involving an OnlyFans model became a major topic across sports television and social media.

After leaving First Take, Sharpe maintained a large audience through independent media ventures. His Nightcap podcast with Chad Johnson continued attracting millions of online views, while Club Shay Shay expanded through long form interviews featuring athletes, entertainers, comedians, and internet personalities.

During their years together, Smith and Sharpe became one of ESPN’s most recognizable on air duos. Sharpe’s humor and storytelling contrasted sharply with Smith’s aggressive commentary style, helping produce many of the network’s most circulated television moments.

Sharpe’s continued visibility outside ESPN also reflects broader shifts across sports media. Former athletes and television personalities increasingly build audiences through podcasts, YouTube channels, and independently controlled platforms instead of relying entirely on cable television.

Smith’s remarks stood out because they sounded personal instead of carefully managed network language. He openly acknowledged missing the partnership while recognizing he could not determine Sharpe’s future with ESPN.

No public indication suggests Sharpe will return to First Take soon. Even so, Smith’s willingness to publicly support him showed the connection between both men survived long after their professional split.

For longtime viewers, Smith’s comments sounded less like damage control and more like someone unwilling to dismiss a partnership that once helped shape modern sports television.