Prominent radio host Dan Le Batard had some eye-popping thoughts on the new format for FS1’s Undisputed.
Le Batard, who overlapped at ESPN with Undisputed star Skip Bayless, believes that the show’s new look, with former NFL stars Richard Sherman, Keyshawn Johnson and Michael Irvin could box out Bayless from the spotlight. The take comes just days after the show’s debut episode produced some chaotic moments, with Bayless reduced to little more than a moderator as Sherman, Johnson and Irvin sparred in debate.
“They’re going to take your show,” Le Batard said Tuesday, via Awful Announcing. “And that’s not a terrible way to evolve at 70 if he’s willing to be the joke, if he’s willing to not take himself seriously and just allow the floor to a bunch of people who are really good at television.”
Le Batard pointed out that Bayless’ tendency to demonize athletes he doesn’t like could come back to bite him now that three former stars are joining him at the desk.
“What he has decided to do is every athlete he’s been crushing for 20 years, they sit next to him now,” Le Batard said. “And they want the ball.”
Le Batard’s co-host Jon “Stugotz” Weiner thinks the current format is unsustainable and that Bayless will shake things up if necessary to remain the star of the show.
“I don’t think Skip likes being made fun of,” Weiner said. “I think Skip still has plenty of hot takes to give, I think Sip wants to be the guy that dominates that show and will be the guy that dominates that show, otherwise he will get one of them fired. I believe that.”
