Skip Bayless, Stephen A. Smith and 6 Other Commentators Who Make Sports Fun

We love sports, but what would sports be without the commentary that drives our passion? Commentators make the game come alive and give an added bonus to the games we so enjoy.

Whether it's the smarts of Colin Cowherd or the boldness of Stephen A. Smith, this list salutes the best sports commentators in the business.

These are the guys who make our sports fun.

8) Larry Merchant

Larry Merchant makes this list for one reason and one reason only. "If I were 50 years younger..." and you know the rest!

Larry Merchant squared off with Floyd Mayweather this past September in an exchange better than the fight between Mayweather and Victor Ortiz.

Larry is by far the oldest person on this list, but gets props for still being young at heart.

7) Chris Berman

"Boomer" still has it.

No one runs the 2-minute drill quite like Chris Berman, so until otherwise, he remains on the list.

6) Colin Cowherd

Colin Cowherd is a reasonable, witty sports commentator. He often takes the analytical route to sports events, which makes for interesting chatter on his radio show.

We also laugh every day watching him and Michelle Beadle trading barbs on ESPN's SportsNation.

5) Stuart Scott

Stuart Scott may be down on this list in recent years, but he is still as cool as the other side of the pillow.

Scott still provides hip, funny commentary unique only to Stu.

4) Mike & Mike

Mike Greenberg and Mike Golic laid the blueprint for the modern radio show. The good guy, bad guy formula now prevalent on radio evolved from them.

Although mimicked, Mike & Mike still hold the crown as the best duo on radio.

3) Charles Barkley

Sir Charles is a fixture on TNT during the NBA season and a must-see commentator for any basketball fan.

"I may be wrong, but I doubt it!"

2) Stephen A. Smith

Stephen A. Smith is one of the most outspoken commentators around. Who doesn't love his ESPN radio shows or occasional banter with Skip Bayless on ESPN2's First Take?

Smith is often controversial but is as frank and honest as they come. I was a huge fan of his short-lived T.V. show "Quite Frankly" and glad to see Stephen A. right back in the spotlight.

1) Skip Bayless

Skip Bayless is the most provocative sports commentator on television. He spearheads ESPN2's show First Take every morning to millions of viewers. Bayless' commentary is almost a necessity among sports fans, as he pulls no punches.

Skip is very knowledgeable about sports through his respected journalism, which spans over 30 years. He is great in debates and usually makes quick work of whoever sits across the desk from him on First Take.

Whether mocking LeBron James and Terrell Owens or rooting for Tim Tebow, Bayless keeps us entertained far more than any other commentator around.