Stephen A. Smith Defends Shannon Sharpe Over This Frequent Flub

Shannon Sharpe can’t seem to stop confusing Stephen A. Smith with former co-worker Skip Bayless, no matter how hard he tries. It finally resulted in Smith issuing a statement to his fervent fans.

For nearly a month, Sharpe has been accidentally referring to the host of ESPN’s First Take as “Skip.” It’s a developing controversy which has led to much discussion on the internet, and prompted Smith to at one point smack on a name tag during a broadcast as a reminder to Sharpe.

Stephen A. Smith is wearing a name tag today to make sure Shannon Sharpe doesn’t call him “Skip” ???? pic.twitter.com/8UI9C06f00

— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) September 5, 2023

Fans have been quick to jump to Stephen A.’s defense, inferring that he must feel great pain at Sharpe’s gaff. Social media users have had a field day lampooning the situation. “When you miss your ex,” one user wrote, while another said: “He still fresh off his breakup. Cut him some slack.” Another commenter wrote that Sharpe should be fined $10,000 each time he calls Smith by the wrong name.

*Stephen A after being called Skip pic.twitter.com/Yhbq7PYbju

— Elijah (@SgtHamSteak) September 4, 2023

The slip-up continued into Tuesday’s episode of First Take, with Sharpe having a meltdown over his malapropism. Once again calling Smith “Skip,” Sharpe bangs his hands on the desk and shouts, “Dang it!” Smith reassures him not to worry, and not to listen to “them” as he indicates the audience. 

Later, the host shared a post on X (formerly Twitter) to defend Sharpe and clear up any misconceptions. “Will folks calm the F$&@ down please. The man worked with Skip for 2 1/2 hours every single weekday for 6 1/2 YEARS! I’m surprised he hasn’t called me Skip more. Honest mistake. Nobody is fazed this way! So long as he shows up to @FirstTake when I ask, we are good!”

Will folks calm the F$&@ down please. The man (@ShannonSharpe) worked with Skip for 2 1/2 hours every single weekday for 6 1/2 YEARS! I’m surprised he hasn’t called me Skip more. Honest mistake. Nobody is fazed this way! So long as he shows up to @FirstTake when I ask, we are… https://t.co/ZWVKpGJHBH

— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) September 12, 2023

As it’s likely not the last time Sharpe will misidentify Smith, it’s good to know that the opinionated anchor doesn’t take it to heart.