Staff Plans to Quit Amid Shocking Drama on Stephen A. Smith and Shannon Sharpe’s ‘First Take’
Production Team Members of “First Take” Reportedly Considering Leaving Show Due to Salary Demands
According to a recent report, tension is brewing among the production team of ESPN’s “First Take” as members are considering leaving the show due to salary demands from host Stephen A. Smith. The U.S. Sun tabloid revealed that two unnamed production team members have expressed their discontent with Smith’s salary demands, which are reportedly causing a stressful work environment.
Smith, whose current contract runs until 2025, is said to be requesting around $25 million per year, which would make him ESPN’s highest-paid analyst if approved. The report also highlights the behavior of co-host Shannon Sharpe as a contributor to the growing friction within the crew.
Rumors suggest that Smith turned down an initial offer from the network of $90 million over five years, holding out for an additional $7 million to surpass the earnings of “Monday Night Football” analysts Troy Aikman and Joe Buck. This decision has allegedly left many behind the scenes feeling undervalued and overlooked.
Although Sharpe recently secured a new multi-year contract with ESPN, staff members reportedly feel sidelined by both Smith and Sharpe. The recent treatment of new Lakers head coach JJ Redick on the show is said to have added to the discontent among the production team.
According to sources cited in the report, there is a growing sentiment that Smith and Sharpe prioritize their own interests over those of their colleagues. The workplace dynamic is described as a “two-man band against the world,” leaving other staff members feeling marginalized.
Some employees have reportedly expressed their dissatisfaction to the network without seeing any changes, leading to a lack of morale and a search for alternative job opportunities. The overall work atmosphere is described as strained, with many contemplating moving on to other projects or shows.
Despite the ongoing rumors and discontent, neither ESPN nor “First Take” have provided any official comments on the situation. As Smith continues to juggle multiple roles within the network, including hosting a podcast and contributing to “NBA Countdown,” the future of the show remains uncertain amidst the behind-the-scenes turmoil.
As the production team weighs their options and contemplates their next steps, the fate of “First Take” and its star hosts hangs in the balance. Only time will tell if the tension and dissatisfaction within the crew will lead to significant changes on the popular sports talk show.
