Speculation has been buzzing about a potential reunion between Stephen A. Smith and Shannon Sharpe on ESPN’s First Take, and recent comments from Smith have only fueled the conversation. In a candid moment on his SiriusXM show on Mad Dog Sports Radio, Smith addressed a caller’s suggestion to bring Sharpe back, expressing strong personal support while acknowledging the complexities involved at the corporate level.
Why Sharpe stepped away from First Take
It has been nearly a year since Sharpe stepped away from his ESPN duties amid serious allegations. In April 2025, a woman filed a $50 million lawsuit in Clark County, Nevada, accusing the Pro Football Hall of Famer of sexual assault and battery during their relationship. The claims included allegations of rape on multiple occasions. Sharpe denied the accusations, calling them “false and disruptive.”
He opted to step aside from First Take shortly after the filing to avoid distraction during what was already a high-profile period for the show. The lawsuit was ultimately settled in July 2025, with the plaintiff’s attorney confirming the resolution without disclosing terms. Despite the settlement, ESPN decided to part ways with Sharpe permanently. Sources indicated the timing—coming so close to the NFL season—played a role, and the network chose not to reinstate him.
Sharpe has since thrived elsewhere, co-hosting the popular Nightcap podcast with Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson and maintaining a massive following across platforms. On a recent Monday afternoon episode of his radio program, a listener reached out with a direct plea: bring Sharpe back to First Take.
Stephen A. weighs in on Sharpe
Smith’s response was heartfelt and unequivocal in its affection for his former co-host.“That’s my boy, I got nothing but love for him. I wish I had him back,” Smith said. “That’s gonna always be my boy. My whole crew; Ryan Clark and Swagu and everybody in between. I got nothing but love for all those brothers, so they always know they welcome on any platform that I have, but I don’t make all the decisions. I make them here on my radio show, I make them on my YouTube channel. ESPN, not so much, that’s the challenge. But you know, it’s a work in progress.”
Smith’s words carry weight given his longstanding role as the face of First Take. He and Sharpe formed one of the most dynamic duos in sports debate television starting in 2023, blending sharp analysis, humor, and occasional fireworks that drew massive audiences. Their chemistry was a key factor in the show’s success during Sharpe’s tenure.
Smith’s public expression of missing that partnership echoes sentiments he has shared before, including earlier statements where he emphasized his desire to have Sharpe back and noted that personnel decisions rest with ESPN executives. While Smith teased the idea as “a work in progress,” no official movement has been confirmed from ESPN.
Sharpe himself has been open to the possibility in separate interviews, such as one during Super Bowl Radio Row in early 2026, where he told Front Office Sports he remains amenable if the opportunity arises, crediting his continued fan base and rapport with Smith.
The prospect of a Sharpe return would represent a significant shift for ESPN, which has moved forward with other contributors filling the co-host slot on First Take. Yet Smith’s comments highlight the personal loyalty that persists behind the scenes. In an industry often driven by ratings and optics, his endorsement could keep the door cracked open. For now, fans of the iconic pairing can only watch and wait—hoping that “work in progress” turns into reality.
