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Tim Tebow’s biggest supporter is leaving ESPN.
The network released a statement on Tuesday confirming that Skip Bayless, the co-host of ESPN’s First Take with long-time shouting partner Stephen A. Smith, will leave the company when his contract expires in August.
Bayless’ last appearance on the show will be the day after the conclusion of the NBA Finals. Bayless, who’s been with ESPN for 12 years, is reportedly heading to FOX Sports, according to Deadspin’s Kevin Draper.
Meanwhile, Sports Illustrated’s Richard Deitsch said months ago that ESPN was prepared to make a handsome offer to Bayless, but an ESPN source told Deitsch that FOX is offering more.
Industry sources tell me ESPN will offer around $4M per for Bayless when his contract comes up next summer. https://t.co/L8YuUm5y0h
— Richard Deitsch (@richarddeitsch) November 6, 2015
Good source at ESPN tells me Bayless is looking at $5 million or so per year with Fox. (Related: Enjoy your day.)
— Richard Deitsch (@richarddeitsch) April 26, 2016
Bayless wrote for many prominent newspapers before joining ESPN in 2004. He’s now best known for his provocative commentary, and heated arguments, with Smith on First Take.
Born and raised in Gainesville, Talal joined SDS in 2015 after spending 2 years in Bristol as an ESPN researcher. Previously, Talal worked at The Gainesville Sun.
