In a surprising turn of events that has captivated sports media followers, prominent commentators Stephen A Smith and Skip Bayless appear to have mended their fractured relationship during the Thanksgiving weekend.
The Thanksgiving Reconciliation
The former First Take co-hosts were spotted enjoying a meal together at Nate 'n Al's, the famous Beverly Hills deli, putting years of public tension behind them. A fan's social media post from Saturday night captured the momentous occasion, showing Smith, Bayless, and Bayless's wife Ernestine sharing a booth in what appeared to be a warm reunion.
In the background of the fan's selfies, Stephen A Smith and Ernestine Bayless could be seen flashing peace signs to the camera while Skip Bayless leaned in with a genuine smile. The casual dinner setting marked a significant departure from their previously strained dynamic.
From Partners to Rivals
The history between these two sports media titans dates back to their four-year partnership on ESPN's First Take from 2012 to 2016, where they helped revolutionise sports debate programming. Their chemistry and contrasting styles made the show must-watch television for sports enthusiasts.
However, their professional relationship soured after Bayless departed First Take in 2016 to join rival network FS1's programme Undisputed on what was reported to be a lucrative contract. The separation created professional distance that eventually turned personal.
The tension escalated significantly in 2022 when Smith appeared to take credit for First Take's success during an appearance on 'The Old Man and the Three' podcast. Smith recalled Bayless approaching him in 2012, saying, 'I need you, please. Just give me three years. I think we'll knock it out of the park.'
Bayless didn't take the comments lightly, firing back on his own show: 'Stephen A. was suggesting that he saved and then made First Take. How can you save and make a show that was already as big a billion to one success story as ESPN had ever seen?'
The Road to Reconciliation
As recently as December last year, Smith claimed he had no relationship with Bayless whatsoever, explaining on the Talk With Flee podcast that repeated attempts to contact his former colleague went unanswered. 'When I say we don't have a relationship, it's not anything negative from my end,' Smith stated at the time.
The thaw in their icy relationship began earlier this year when Smith made his first appearance on Bayless's new programme, 'The Skip Bayless Show', marking their first on-air reunion in nearly a decade. Bayless later admitted to feeling some trepidation about hosting Smith, but their instant chemistry quickly returned.
Now, with their Thanksgiving dinner reunion, it appears the two sports media legends have fully reconciled, putting their professional differences aside and restoring what was once one of sports television's most dynamic partnerships.
