Outspoken sports personality joins fellow hot head in weekly debate
Two juggernauts within the sports television landscape will now be facing off on a weekly basis.
ESPN's Stephen A. Smith announced Thursday morning that Shannon Sharpe will be joining him on "First Take" beginning in September.
"Official this morning, Mr. Shannon Sharpe will be joining the crew," Smith said. "He will debut Monday, Sept. 4. He will on here every Monday and Tuesday with yours truly."
Sharpe hinted at the news shortly before Smith's announcement, photoshopping the duo's faces onto the iconic Dwyane Wade-LeBron James dunk picture and sharing it to X — formerly known as Twitter.
It appears as though Smith won't be pulling any punches when squaring off in debates against Sharpe, whom he publicly advocated for ESPN to bring back in the past.
"To my brother Shannon Sharpe, first of all thank you for joining the show," Smith said. "Secondly, condolences in advance. You’re not used to getting beat down."
Sharpe has been quite busy with his media ventures since leaving "Undisputed" in June. On Wednesday, the 55-year-old revealed he'd be bringing his "Club Shay Shay" podcast to Colin Cowherd's "The Volume" media network.
The "First Take" debate roster now includes several former NFL players turned analysts, headlined by frequent guests Dan Orlovsky, Ryan Clark and Marcus Spears. Over his decorated Hall of Fame career with the Denver Broncos and Baltimore Ravens, Sharpe was a four-time All-Pro and three-time Super Bowl champ.
Following the inclusion of Sharpe, Smith hinted that more additions may be looming on the horizon.
"I've got another announcement coming in about a week or so as well. But that's step one," Smith said.
With step one now out of the way, it's safe to say that "First Take" will soon be can't-miss television.
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