On the unlikely event turn, at least for a limited time, it appears that the gangs are back together.
Stephen A. Smith and former ESPN partner Skip Bayless are reunited for an episode of Bayless's podcast. According to front office sports.
The “Skip Bayless Show” episode featuring Smith has already been recorded and is scheduled to be released earlier next week.
Smith and Bayless have worked together at ESPN for over a decade. Most notably, as the “first take” talking head in 2012-16.
Bayless eventually left the show and network in 2016 and chose to play a role in FS1's “uncontroversial.”
At the end of last year, Smith spoke about his relationship with Bayless.
“When you say we have no relation, that's not negative for my purpose.” Smith said on the “Run” podcast in December 2024. “I'll let you know, 'Yes, mate, I've picked up the phone a few times.' He didn't call me.
“To me, if you're that kind of person, if it doesn't make you bad, that means we can't have the vibe because we answer the phone.”
“Our relationship goes back too long for me to not call you when I call you. When you make that decision, cool. Live with your decision,” Smith added. “I always love skipping, even when I'm determined and emphasized against some of the things he says and does. But what's the part about not calling me back? Are you not answering my phone? No, peers. Anyone who knows me, people who include family members, people who know me know that you don't take too many shots with me. I don't get the phone too often to call you. If you don't answer my phone, you won't answer my phone.”
Since its separation nine years ago, Smith has been popular in the sports media spotlight, signing a five-year, $100 million contract with ESPN this week.
Bayless left FS1 in August 2024.
