Overview
- Stephen A. Smith said on Sept. 13 that Michael Irvin will appear on First Take each Monday during the football season and that Skip Bayless will return in a limited role on the program.
- The announcements come from Smith’s podcast and video posts and are reported by multiple outlets rather than issued as detailed employment statements from ESPN.
- Irvin left NFL Network in 2024 after a 2023 Phoenix incident that led to court filings alleging intoxication, unwanted touching and inappropriate comments, and Bayless has faced his own past sexual‑misconduct allegations.
- First Take has lost several high‑profile contributors this year, including Shannon Sharpe, Ryan Clark and Cam Newton, prompting ESPN to try reunions and part‑time appearances to stabilize the show.
- The returns could boost viewership by restoring familiar debate dynamics but will test how ESPN balances ratings gains with reputational and legal risk as formal contract terms and the network’s oversight plans remain undisclosed.