Former NFL player turned analyst Shannon Sharpe sported a caked-on makeup job during First Take on Monday, and fans of the show immediately roasted him, sparking hilariously brutal memes.
Sharpe moved to First Take earlier this year after spending seven years with now estranged co-host Skip Bayless on FS1’s Undsisputed. His new digs have him sharing the spotlight with Stephen A. Smith, a 20-year ESPN veteran. The partnership between Sharpe and Smith has produced some wild segments.
In September, Sharpe made light work of New Yok Jets quarterback Zach Wilson’s lousy play, saying, “The dude couldn’t play dead in a horror movie.”
It seems Sharpe’s words came back to haunt him — pun absolutely intended here —and First Take fans took to social media the moment they noticed Sharpe donning an overdone fresh makeup job.
Man look at how ESPN makeup department has Shannon looking this morning pic.twitter.com/IBYHa3etDt
— Kay (@TheMavsQueen) October 16, 2023
I’m sorry but they did unc Shannon sharpe wrong af on first take today man smh got him looking like Randy Jackson 😩😩😩 pic.twitter.com/ANUujRpOnZ
— Shannonnn sharpes Burner (PARODY Account) (@shannonsharpeee) October 16, 2023
Amid the concern for the host, the jokes started flying, invoking shades of famed musician Little Richard and other hysterical memes that included mortuary references.
Sharpe eventually responded to comments he received. “My appearance is important not as important as my takes,” Sharpe said. “Hopefully, the takes were [great] as usual.”
Appreciate the concern over my makeup this morning on @FirstTake. This was her 1st time doing my makeup and it was a little heavy. My appearance is important not as important as my takes. Hopefully, the takes were gr8 as usual. #LipSparringChamp #BestDressed #Espn
— shannon sharpe (@ShannonSharpe) October 16, 2023
That should help clarify the concern, but that didn’t stop fans from getting creative with their thoughts.
Here are some of the best memes the internet has to offer:
Feature image courtesy of ESPN.