Who is Replacing Shannon Sharpe on Undisputed? Why is She Leaving?
by Kowsalya
Updated Jun 14, 2023
Who is Replacing Shannon Sharpe on Undisputed?
Following Shannon Sharpe's departure from FS1's "Undisputed," there has been speculation about his replacement. One name that has emerged as a potential successor is former NFL star, LeSean McCoy.
After accepting a buyout to leave the company, Shannon Sharpe, the NFL Hall of Fame tight end and former "Undisputed" host, will be leaving the morning debate show. His departure comes after a period of public tension between Sharpe and co-host Skip Bayless, including a controversial tweet by Bayless regarding Demar Hamlin. These issues ultimately led to the end of their on-screen partnership.
As part of the buyout agreement, Sharpe's popular podcast "Club Shay Shay" will also cease operations. The podcast, which was listed as one of Spotify's best sports podcasts of the year, had amassed over 100K subscribers, making it the first Fox Sports podcast to achieve this milestone.
According to Front Office Sports, LeSean McCoy, a former NFL running back and current co-host of "Speak," is a leading contender to replace Sharpe. McCoy is expected to audition for the role alongside Skip Bayless. However, the auditions will only take place once Sharpe's buyout is finalized.
LeSean McCoy currently serves as a co-host on "Speak" alongside Emmanuel Acho and Joy Taylor, both of whom are also being considered for the vacant position on "Undisputed." Another candidate for the role is Nick Wright, who joined Fox Sports in 2016.
The search for Shannon Sharpe's replacement continues, and fans are eager to see who will take the seat across the debate table from Skip Bayless.
Why is Shannon Sharpe Leaving Undisputed?
While Shannon Sharpe has not officially disclosed the specific reasons for his departure from "Undisputed," it appears that his decision is connected to the strained relationship he had with Skip Bayless.
Bayless and Sharpe have often engaged in on-air arguments, which is part of the show's dynamic. However, there have been instances where their exchanges seemed to be fueled by genuine animosity.
One notable incident occurred when Sharpe took offense to Bayless' remarks about his playing career while praising Tom Brady's longevity. Bayless commented, "This man is playing at a high level at 45 when you had to stop at 35." Sharpe, feeling slighted, retaliated by expressing his accomplishments and stating, "I’m in the effin’ Hall of Fame. I got three Super Bowls!"
These minor conflicts gradually strained their relationship over time. However, tensions escalated further following Damar Hamlin's collapse during a Bills vs. Bengals game on "Monday Night Football" in Week 17 of the 2022 NFL season.
The culmination of these incidents ultimately led to Sharpe's decision to leave the show. Although he has not provided explicit details about his departure, the strained dynamic with Bayless appears to have played a significant role in his choice to move on from "Undisputed."
Where is Shannon Sharpe Going?
According to Glasspiegel, Shannon Sharpe has finalized a buyout agreement with Fox Sports, the parent company of FS1, which grants him the opportunity to depart from the network. As part of the agreement, Sharpe will also retain ownership of his popular podcast, "Club Shay Shay."
After the conclusion of the NBA Finals, Sharpe made an official announcement, expressing gratitude towards Skip Bayless and becoming emotional as he bid farewell to the show for the last time.
Who is Shannon Sharpe?
Shannon Sharpe, born on June 26, 1968, is a former professional American football player who excelled as a tight end in the National Football League (NFL) for 14 seasons, primarily with the Denver Broncos.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest tight ends of all time, he holds impressive records, ranking third in career receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns among tight ends. Notably, Sharpe was the first tight end in NFL history to surpass 10,000 receiving yards.
Sharpe played college football at Savannah State University before being selected by the Denver Broncos in the seventh round of the 1990 NFL Draft. Over the course of his career, which spanned multiple stints with the Broncos, as well as a two-year tenure with the Baltimore Ravens, Sharpe achieved remarkable success.
He earned seven consecutive Pro Bowl selections, four first-team All-Pro honors, and won two consecutive Super Bowl titles with the Broncos. During his time with the Ravens, Sharpe received an additional Pro Bowl selection and helped the team secure another Super Bowl victory. Upon his retirement, Sharpe held the NFL records for receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns by a tight end.
Who is Replacing Shannon Sharpe on Undisputed - FAQs
Following Shannon Sharpe's departure from FS1's "Undisputed," there has been speculation about his replacement. One name that has emerged as a potential successor is former NFL star, LeSean McCoy.
While Shannon Sharpe has not officially disclosed the specific reasons for his departure from "Undisputed," it appears that his decision is connected to the strained relationship he had with Skip Bayless.
According to Glasspiegel, Shannon Sharpe has finalized a buyout agreement with Fox Sports, the parent company of FS1, which grants him the opportunity to depart from the network. As part of the agreement, Sharpe will also retain ownership of his popular podcast, "Club Shay Shay."
Shannon Sharpe, born on June 26, 1968, is a former professional American football player who excelled as a tight end in the National Football League (NFL) for 14 seasons, primarily with the Denver Broncos.