Skip Bayless announced a new roster of partners to replace Shannon Sharpe, but there’s one name that’s not actually set in stone and ESPN has the power to keep it that way.
Keyshawn Johnson, who was part of ESPN’s on-air talent layoffs in late June, has yet to be released from his contract with ESPN, putting his status as one of Bayless’ next debate partners on FS1’s FOX “Undisputed” up in the air, according to a report by The New York Post.
RICHARD SHERMAN! KEYSHAWN JOHNSON! MICHAEL IRVIN! NEW DREAM TEAM ON THE NEW UNDISPUTED. NEW LIL WAYNE INTRO SONG, "GOOD MORNING." NEXT MONDAY. AUGUST 28. 9:30 E, FS1. BE THERE.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) August 22, 2023
DON’T MISS: Skip Bayless' new debate lineup is reportedly getting poor reviews from inside Fox
The report said that Johnson was let go while on the second year of a five-year, $18 million contract with ESPN, and because of the circumstances of the deal, he must first reach an agreement with The Walt Disney Co (DIS) -) network in order to begin working in sports media again.
The Post’s reporter Andrew Marchand said on his show, “The Marchand and Ourand Sports Media Podcast,” that he doesn’t think ESPN is just going to let Johnson go do whatever he wants, let alone work for a competitor, considering he’s still owed millions on his contract.
But he does think it’s unethical to keep someone out of work, even if they are paying him.
“I think it's kind of a jerk move personally,” said Marchand, who has been one of the leaders in reporting on the ESPN and Fox media moves. “If you don't let someone work for years and years, you effectively end their career.”
CLIP: ESPN should allow the people they laid off, like Keyshawn Johnson, work elsewhere.
— Andrew Marchand (@AndrewMarchand) August 23, 2023
POD: https://t.co/KejS63TxuT pic.twitter.com/v9D3ZkGLEC
More Fox:
- US Women’s National Team’s early elimination is trouble for Fox
- Shannon Sharpe's departure has put Fox, Skip Bayless in a bind
- Fox reportedly looking at 4 potential candidates to replace Shannon Sharpe on 'Undisputed'
Johnson could still easily end up joining the “Undisputed” roster should he reach an agreement with ESPN. Bayless’ other debate partners that have been reported or announced by Bayless include Richard Sherman, Rachel Nichols, Michael Irvin, and Lil Wayne.
A spokesperson for ESPN declined to comment on Johnson’s contract and the subsequent comments of Marchand.
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