Stephen A. Smith calls for ESPN to re-hire former ‘First Take’ co-host

Ever since the departure of former “First Take” co-host Shannon Sharpe, Stephen A. Smith has worked with a rotating group of guest analysts on ESPN’s hit show.

But Smith is ready to see that come to an end, he revealed on a recent episode of the “Out The Mud” podcast hosted by former NBA players Zach Randolph and Tony Allen.

Smith says that he wants ESPN to bring Sharpe back to the seat across from him on “First Take.”

While one would assume Smith has enormous sway to make that happen considering all the success he has had for ESPN, he noted that it is not ultimately his decision to bring Sharpe back, although he has told the network that’s what he wants.

“I’m always going to want him back. The company knows I want him back,” Smith said on the “Out The Mud” podcast.

“Now, y’all going to do what y’all got to do because I’m the executive producer, but I’m not an executive VP of the company,” Smith said. “I have bosses to answer to. They have to make that decision. But they already know I want him back. If we can get him back, I want him back, I ain’t apologizing for that to nobody. He was great for me. He was great to me, and I’m not gonna forget that. He was great for the show.”

Smith’s public desire to have Sharpe back comes after a recent “First Take” reunion with another former co-host, Skip Bayless, who was a guest analyst last week.

Why Shannon Sharpe left “First Take”

ESPN decided to cut ties with Sharpe in July of 2025 after he settled a lawsuit with an ex-girlfriend who accused him of rape.

Sharpe denied the allegation and said the relationship was “100% consensual.”

When it comes to his relationship with Stephen A. Smith, Sharpe made it quite clear , so that wouldn’t be a roadblock for his return.