Sports commentator Skip Bayless is ending his 12-year run with ESPN, as it was announced on Tuesday that he will not be renewing his contract come its expiration in August. According to sources he has been courted by former ESPN executive Jamie Horowitz, and he's likely to join his old colleague at Fox Sports. His departure leaves some money on the table, as ESPN has reported that the network was prepared to offer him a contract $4 million a year to return.
Bayless is most well known by his role along side Stephen A. Smith as co-host of "First Take." The two have contrasted in their analysis and demeanor to make a show anchored by disagreement and debate, since Smith officially joined the platform in 2012. He has also been the recipient of many a professional athlete's ire, garnering the disrespect of the likes of Richard Sherman and Floyd Mayweather Jr. Over the course of his tenure, Skip also contributed to Dick Schaap's "The Sports Reporters" and Jim Rome's "Rome Is Burning."
A press release put out by ESPN acknowledges that Bayless will work the remainder of his contract with the network, but his final appearance on "First Take" is scheduled as effective the day after the NBA finals.
Source: deadspin.com
