Overview
- Stephen A. Smith announced on his Sept. 13 podcast that Michael Irvin will appear on First Take each Monday during the 2026 NFL season and that Skip Bayless will return in a limited, recurring role.
- ESPN has not released full contract terms or a formal company statement beyond Smith’s public announcements, and reporting to date relies chiefly on Smith’s podcast and social posts.
- Both Irvin and Bayless carry past misconduct allegations that led to professional fallout—Irvin left NFL Network in 2024 after a 2023 hotel complaint and a later settlement, and Bayless has been named in prior lawsuits—facts that commentators say create reputational risk for ESPN.
- The moves come after major turnover on First Take over the last year, including departures of Shannon Sharpe, Ryan Clark and Cam Newton, and follow longstanding personal ties between Smith and Irvin that Smith has publicly defended.
- Expect attention on audience response, advertiser reaction and any formal ESPN confirmations in the coming weeks as the network balances ratings goals with scrutiny over talent decisions.