"Skip Bayless & Stephen A. Smith: First Take Reunion"

If you grew up in the 2000s and 2010s, sports talk shows were 
entertaining. We learned how to understand commentary, dialogue, 
facts and opinions on a variety of sports topics. You can say it was built 
around hot takes and cool debates; leaving fans wanting more from a 
panel. This was peak sports television and we can thank two men who 
created and gave content creators their own avenue. 

Legendary sports columnist Skip Bayless and commentator/journalist 
Stephen A. Smith reunited on "The Skip Bayless Show" on YouTube last 
week. A long anticipated reunion was filled with admiration for one 
another. Even after nine years since they sat together at ESPN, it was 
nostalgia.

Going back down memory to their early days, debating on a variety of 
hot takes in football and basketball. How each man built a strong trust 
factor in giving fans great television. Even with a young Stephen A, he 
could hold his own; whereas Skip took different angles and became a 
larger than life personality. He meant what he said and said what he 
meant. 

Off camera, Smith would tell Bayless that was good dialogue. Bayless 
still in competitive mode didn't flinch and from there, a foundation was 
set for sports debate. Bayless had developed a persona which everyone 
wanted to emulate. Smith's energy became contagious and Bayless 
knew he wanted Smith to be his debate partner. 

In the years which followed, both men grew into "embrace debate," to 
rebranding "First Take," ranging topics from Tim Tebow, LeBron James, 
Kevin Durant, the list goes on and on. Sports fans would sit in front of 
their televisions and watch a back and forth debate for two and half 

hours. Ratings soared and reached new heights with Bayless and 
Smith; along with former moderator Cari Champion and current host 
Molly Qerim.

This was the reunion we needed in all honesty; rather some liked it or 
not. Even with Bayless' departure in 2016 after the epic NBA Finals, 
Smith made sure to be there for his guy; while saying goodbye. That 
alone spoke volumes the level of respect and trust built over many 
years. Smith became the new face of ESPN; whereas Bayless helped 
his former employer FS1 and "Undisputed" with Skip & Shannon. 
Bayless' television days came to an end last summer; as he's slowly
transitioned with digital media. Watching and hearing those two legends
debate may have opened another door for Bayless here for long. If
you're planning on him to be filtered, that's not happening. He's
authentic, unapologetic and stands on his square. It's always a game
seven, fourth quarter comeback anytime you debate with Skip Bayless.

If you don't prepare the right way, chances are you're going to lose and
be embarrassed. His brash honesty is what television needs right now.
The "Undisputed Godfather of Sports Debate" will always hold a special
place in many hearts of fans. This was truly a full circle moment for the
"First Take Reunion with Skip Baylee's and Stephen A. Smith."