Stephen A Smith, Shannon Sharpe unload on ESPN colleagues after comments made about ‘First Take’
Stephen A. Smith and Shannon Sharpe are not ones to take shots at their popular sports debate show, “First Take,” lightly. Recently, the two ESPN colleagues addressed comments made by Kirk Herbstreit and Chris Fowler during their College Football Playoff broadcast, and they did not hold back in their responses.
While Smith was more composed in his reaction, Sharpe made it clear that he would not hesitate to defend his show, no matter how many ESPN bosses he had to go through. Sharpe emphasized that he would not tolerate any negativity towards “First Take” from within the same network.
“I’m gonna be a good teammate,” Sharpe said to Smith. “I’m gonna let it slide. But don’t play with me. If you ever mention any platform that I’m on again talking about negativity, I promise you, ESPN ain’t got enough bosses to keep me off y’all for what I’m going to say. Don’t play with me.”
The comments that sparked this reaction from Smith and Sharpe were regarding Ohio State Buckeyes head football coach Ryan Day. Smith accused Herbstreit and Fowler of misquoting him about calling for Day to be fired, clarifying that it was his own opinion and not that of “First Take.”
During the Buckeyes’ victory over the Tennessee Volunteers, Herbstreit brought up the criticism towards Day from the Ohio State fanbase, referring to them as the “lunatic fringe.” He then shifted the conversation to “First Take,” insinuating that the show had tried to get Day fired.
Herbstreit’s comments were surprising, as he was discussing a show within his own network. This prompted a swift response from Smith and Sharpe, who made it clear that they would not tolerate their colleagues making unfounded claims about their show.
In conclusion, Stephen A. Smith and Shannon Sharpe are not ones to shy away from defending their show, “First Take,” against unwarranted criticism. Their swift and assertive responses to comments made by Kirk Herbstreit and Chris Fowler exemplify their loyalty to their platform and their willingness to stand up for what they believe in.
