Shannon Sharpe does not mince words. He got his point across to Kirk Herbstreit and Chris Fowler on the Monday morning edition of “First Take.” He is not afraid of repercussions, he just wants his name and his program’s name left out of their mouths.
Shannon Sharpe Warns Herbstreit and Fowler Over ‘First Take’
Sharpe, the former seven-time NFL Pro Bowl tight end, and his partner Stephen A. Smith both had words for the College GameDay host and lead color commentator.
Sharpe and Smith were reacting to comments made by the duo regarding Ohio State coach Ryan Day, which were attributed to First Take. Supposedly, there were comments made that Day should be terminated if he does not win a national title. The remarks were made by Stephen A. Smith, individually, and should not have been attributed to the show in general.
Herbstreit and Fowler were on the College Football Playoff call on Saturday night for Ohio State vs. Tennessee. Ohio State won the game in a dominant fashion, 42-17.
“’First Take’ tried to fire him,” Herbstreit said. “They thought he was done. So, I’ll be excited to see what they talk about on Monday after this performance. They had him out. They’re trying to find replacements. But here he is. He’s still got his hat on. He’s still coaching.”
Shannon Sharpe on Kirk Herbstreit's criticism of First Take: "If we're going to be on the same team, if we're gonna work for the same network, don't do that. Kirk, Chris Fowler, I promise you, if you ever mention any platform that I'm on again talking about 'I wonder what they're… pic.twitter.com/4IPLUU5rYy
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“I’m gonna be a good teammate,” Sharpe said to Smith. “I’m gonna let it slide. Everybody’s at ESPN. Because had you not taken the route you’ve taken, I would’ve lit their a–es up. If we’re going to be on the same team, if we’re gonna work for the same network, don’t do that.
“Kirk, Chris Fowler, I promise you, if you ever mention any platform that I’m on again talking about ‘I wonder what they’re going to say as negativity,’ I promise you, ESPN ain’t got enough bosses to keep me off y’all for what I’m going to say. Don’t play with me.”
Smith did not react well, either. He was perturbed at the whole situation.
“Stop it,” Smith said into the camera during his speech on the matter. “’First Take’ gotta get him fired, that is not true. I did! Not ‘First Take.’ That was me, Stephen A. Don’t misquote me. What I said was, ‘This man Ryan Day, if he doesn’t get a national championship, he should go. Even with a 66-10 record.’ I didn’t stutter one bit, I ain’t stuttering now.”