Though he wasn’t fired or let go, what we the people have wanted to see happen for a long time is finally coming to fruition after 12 years
ESPN analyst Skip Bayless, if you’re not familiar, the crazy guy who predicts everything wrong and has outlandish absurd opinions, will reportedly be leaving the network for FOX Sports in August once his contract expires.
Bayless, known for starring on ESPN’s First Take, will make his final appearance on the show the day after the NBA Finals conclude.
According to an ESPN press release, the show was supposed to broadcast from Chicago beginning on Thursday where the NFL draft will go down that night, ESPN has announced plans have changed, which according to a source, is because of today’s announcement.
The network released this statement shortly after regarding the host’s decision:
“Skip Bayless has decided to leave ESPN when his contract expires at the end of August. His final appearance on First Take will be the day after the NBA Finals conclude,” ESPN said. “We want to thank Skip for his many contributions to ESPN. His hard work and talent have benefited ESPN for 12 years.”
According to Sports Illustrated’s Richard Deitsch, ESPN was prepared to offer Bayless around $4 million annually, which presumably was topped by Fox Sports, who recently grabbed another popular ESPN analyst, Colin Cowheard after he was let go in Bristol.
This comes days after ESPN’s Mike Tirico announced he will also be leaving the network, in his case, for NBC.
