The sports media industry is massive. Promoting and discussing big-time players and games requires constant media coverage. But over the years, the industry has turned into a “hot take” factory. Hot takes are what moves the needle, and there are no better examples of it in the industry than Skip Bayless and Stephen A. Smith.
Together, they revolutionized the job. Although they parted ways after so many years face-to-face, their impact is still felt today, as they continue to command conversations on their own projects. But this week, the two met virtually for a reunion. And in it, Bayless revealed what the first time they truly exploded on each other was.
Tim Tebow was the cause of initial frustration between Skip Bayless and Stephen A. Smith
Perhaps it comes as no surprise to many who have watched the two since the very beginning, but it was a Tim Tebow debate that set the two off against one another for the very first time. It came after Tebow’s epic overtime playoff win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, the team Smith is a fan of.
We detonated for the first time when we got back together… we were right in the middle of the Tim Tebow run in 2011. I can’t have you on with me without bringing up my greatest moment in my career, which could have been your lowest moment in your career. It was Tebow’s touchdown pass in overtime in the home playoff game against your Pittsburgh Steelers… Do you remember that moment?
Smith admits he collapsed to his knees following Tebow’s touchdown pass and didn’t move for two hours. He then went into a mini-depression, claiming he “couldn’t eat, couldn’t have sex, couldn’t do nothing“.
Smith admits he didn’t even want to appear on set the morning after. Bayless, of course, was a massive Tebow supporter. It was the perfect opportunity for Bayless to rub it in his co-worker’s face, which he took advantage of.
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