ESPN ratings were up significantly for most shows...in the first quarter of 2025. However...First Take ratings with Stephen A Smith were essentially flat. Earlier this week...ESPN announced that Skip Bayless would be reunited with Stephen A Smith on First Take. Unfortunately for ESPN...this won't solve their ratings problem on First Take.

We discuss Skip Bayless returning to ESPN...and explain why the return of Skip Bayless won't work. We discuss the decline of First Take...and explain why Stephen A Smith is the problem. We discuss Stephen A Smith expanding his brand...and question whether Stephen A Smith is fully committed to ESPN.

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