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Shannon Sharpe ESPN Return Rumors Heat Up After Skip Bayless Reunion

Yahoo Sports

Skip and Stephen A. are reuniting on 'First Take' - now fans are wondering if Shannon Sharpe could be the next bombshell ESPN brings back on air.

Photo by Kaitlyn Morris/WireImage Rumors about Shannon Sharpe potentially returning to ESPN are gaining traction after the network confirmed that Skip Bayless will make a one-time appearance on First Take alongside Stephen A. Smith. The reunion between Smith and Bayless has sparked fresh conversation around whether Sharpe could eventually make his own comeback to the network.

While Front Office Sports reported that a return for Sharpe is “not currently under consideration,” the report also noted that ESPN had previously said the same thing about Bayless before arranging his highly publicized appearance. Could Skip Bayless's return to ESPN mean Shannon Sharpe is next? While a source says a Shannon Sharpe return is “not currently under consideration,” ESPN previously said similar about Skip Bayless.

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Collect. Obsess. The renewed speculation comes at a time when Smith’s influence inside ESPN appears stronger than ever.