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In a somewhat amusing debut on ESPN’s First Take, Shannon Sharpe, known for his seven-year tenure debating Skip Bayless on FS1’s Undisputed, accidentally slipped up not once, but twice, by referring to his new co-host, Stephen A. Smith, as “Skip.”
The slip-up occurred during Sharpe’s first appearance on the show on Monday morning, as he was getting accustomed to his new role.
In a moment of nostalgia, he inadvertently called Stephen A. Smith by the name of his former sparring partner, Skip Bayless. Realizing the gaffe, Sharpe quickly corrected himself.
Old habits die hard, on his first show on FirstTake, @ShannonSharpe called Steph A. Smith, "Skip" 😄pic.twitter.com/Qqy65RUq6G
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) September 4, 2023
However, it seemed old habits die hard for the seasoned sports commentator, as he made the same mistake again shortly thereafter.
Shannon Sharpe isn't used to being without Skip Bayless yet 😂 pic.twitter.com/i13NnAqlLt
— Jeff Van Gundy’s Burner (@JeffVanGundyy) September 4, 2023
Given the years spent alongside Bayless, it’s understandable that Sharpe might need some time to adjust to the change in co-hosts.
Sharpe’s unexpected mix-up brought some light-hearted humor to the First Take set on what was an otherwise ordinary morning of sports debate.