Skip Bayless on Why He Left ESPN's "First Take" to Join Shannon Sharpe on "Undisputed" (Part 11)

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In an exclusive interview, Skip Bayless opened up about his decision to leave ESPN’s "First Take" in 2016 to co-host Fox Sports 1’s "Undisputed" alongside Shannon Sharpe. Bayless credited Jamie Horowitz, who initially transformed "First Take" into a successful debate-centric show, for offering him the opportunity to join FS1 and help establish its national presence. Despite a lucrative $4 million annual offer to stay at ESPN, Bayless chose the challenge of building something new in Los Angeles, a city he loves.

He acknowledged the strong chemistry with co-host Shannon Sharpe, who was initially a guest on "First Take," and praised the show's unique energy, including Lil Wayne’s iconic “No Mercy” intro. Bayless reflected proudly on the ratings records they set at FS1 and left the door open for a future collaboration with ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, affirming his move was a pivotal and rewarding career decision.