First Take fans beg Shannon Sharpe to ‘stop talking basketball’ following bizarre Klay Thompson ‘divorce’ segment
NBA fans weren't convinced by Shannon Sharpe's analysis of Klay Thompson's split from the Golden State Warriors.
The is leaving the Dubs after 13 seasons, reportedly joining the Dallas Mavericks on a three-year, $50 million deal.
Thompson's departure elicited strong emotions within the NBA world.
Fans and analysts disagreed on whether the Warriors should have met the shooting guard's contract demands even if he's not the same player he used to be.
The California native reportedly rejected a two-year, $48 million extension before the start of the 2023-24 NBA season.
Thompson then put up his worst numbers since early into his pro career, averaging 17.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists while shooting 43.2% from the field and 38.7% from 3.
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Sharpe, 56, discussed whether the five-time All-Star has been wronged by Golden State on Monday's First take alongside Stephen A. Smith and Kendrick Perkins.
And the NFL Hall of Famer argued that the sharpshooter doesn't have a valid reason to be upset.
"Most businesses, most teams [are] like, 'No, bro. I'm giving you what I believe you can do moving forward. I've already paid you for what you've in the past!'" he said.
Sharpe also pointed out that the Warriors paid Thompson a full $189.9 million from his last deal, even though he spent two years rehabbing his torn Achilles and ACL.
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As the conversation went on, the NFL icon used a relationship analogy to aid his point – coming up with an imaginary scenario he's getting divorced.
"I say, babe. I got $35 million for you right now. Take it or leave it," Sharpe said.
"She says, 'No, I will take Black you-know-what to court.'
"She goes to court, the judge gives her $5 million.
"How you going to turn around and say, 'Oh, Shay did her wrong'?"
Some First Take viewers agreed with Shannon's view of the Thompson-Warriors breakup.
Shannon Sharpe's playing career
Shannon Sharpe was a three-time Super Bowl champion before his heavyweight media career.
The former tight end played in the NFL from 1990 until 2003 - mostly with the Denver Broncos.
He was part of the Super Bowl championship teams in 1998 and 1999 as well as the Baltimore Ravens' title-winning team in 2001.
Sharpe was an eight-time Pro Bowler and voted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
He finished with 10,060 career receiving yards from 815 receptions with 62 touchdowns.
The ex-NFL star has had just as strong a career on television screens since retiring.
But others came to the Bay Area legend's defense.
"Shannon needs to stick to football," one posted on X.
"Shannon Sharpe needs to stop talking basketball," another added.
"Klay was a part of four championships, he deserves everything," a third said.
"To say I paid you two years and you sat on the bench is wrong. He was hurt," one wrote.
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Thompson reportedly picked the Mavericks over the Los Angeles Lakers, LA Clippers, and Philadelphia 76ers.
He is said to be heading to Dallas in a sign-a-trade deal, which will require multiple teams to be involved.