All articles tagged with #first take
ESPN’s Jay Williams said UFC Freedom 250 at the White House South Lawn was a better event than the NBA Finals, praising the unique atmosphere of the one-night spectacle and its seven-knockout card, despite controversy over propaganda and a fighter’s offensive remark; the historic production was praised for its execution, though the two events are difficult to compare since Freedom 250 was a rare, non-repeating show.
Kendrick Perkins accused LeBron James of leaking rumors about his future to generate national media attention, arguing the superstar already has a plan and was simply baiting coverage while watching the playoffs at home. The critique followed Windhorst’s report about the Lakers’ recruitment talk and James’s own suggestion he may wait until August to decide his next move.
Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown escalated his feud with ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith on a Sunday Twitch stream, blasting Smith after he questioned Brown’s claim that the 2025-26 season was his favorite and suggested he should be quiet. Brown called Smith the “face of clickbait media” and urged him to retire, arguing that Smith uses his platform for sensational narratives rather than journalism. The clash follows Brown’s $50,000 playoff officiating critique and Smith’s critique of his stream, with Brown defending his streaming and the season’s growth and hinting the back-and-forth could spill into Monday’s First Take.
Jaylen Brown blasted Stephen A. Smith during a Twitch stream after Smith urged him to “be quiet” on air. Brown accused Smith of using his platform for clickbait journalism and criticized his approach as narrative-driven rather than about basketball. The feud traces to a 2024 incident and flared again after Boston blew a 3-1 series lead to the 76ers in the 2026 playoffs, with Brown defending his season as his best and leadership-driven, while calling out Smith’s journalism.
Skip Bayless returned to First Take to criticize LeBron James, accusing him of begging for foul calls as the Lakers trail the Thunder 2-0 in the West semifinals. The segment cited LeBron’s perceived decline, compared him to Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander, and referenced JJ Redick’s remarks about LeBron’s whistle; the piece also notes Game 2 vibes where LA led at halftime but were outscored by the Thunder in the third, with LeBron only earning four free throws to SGA’s nine.
Skip Bayless’s brief return to ESPN’s First Take with Stephen A. Smith drew attention, but the reunion felt more nostalgic and recycled than explosively fiery; ESPN signals possible future appearances to drive viewership and social buzz.
Sean Keeley argues that Skip Bayless’s Friday reunion on First Take with Stephen A. Smith isn’t a nostalgic revival but a modern nostalgia play aimed at a ratings pop. The piece contends the Embrace Debate era left little lasting cultural impact, with few iconic moments or memes, and the reunion reads more like curiosity sparked by ESPN’s past than a meaningful, desired return.
Molly Qerim's abrupt departure from ESPN's First Take was unexpectedly quick, with ESPN citing timing issues and her decision to leave early rather than at the end of her contract as key reasons. ESPN plans to hold on-air tryouts over the next 30-45 days to find a new host, while Stephen A. Smith has been hosting the show in the interim.
Molly Qerim left ESPN's 'First Take' after negotiations broke down, with both sides having already planned her departure by the end of her current contract in 2025, as she sought to explore other opportunities. ESPN intends to find a new host within 30-45 days, but Qerim declined to comment further.
Molly Qerim resigned from ESPN's 'First Take' after 10 years, leading to speculation about her replacement. Potential candidates include Stephen A. Smith, Courtney Cronin, Chris Russo, Monica McNutt, Shae Cornette, Charly Arnolt, and Christine Williamson, as the show prepares for a new era following her departure.
Molly Qerim abruptly resigned from ESPN's 'First Take' after 10 years, amid contract negotiations, with Stephen A. Smith expressing sadness and surprise over her departure, which was reportedly her decision after turning down a new contract offer.
Molly Qerim, a prominent ESPN personality and host of 'First Take,' has announced her departure from the show and ESPN, expressing gratitude for her time and hinting at future opportunities. Her departure marks the end of a decade-long tenure, during which she was a respected and integral part of the program.
Molly Qerim, a long-time ESPN host of 'First Take,' announced her departure from the network after deciding not to renew her contract, expressing gratitude for her time there and hinting at future plans.
Molly Qerim, the host of ESPN's First Take for the past decade, announced her departure from the show and ESPN at the end of the year, expressing gratitude for her time on the program but not revealing her next career move.
Molly Qerim announced she is leaving ESPN at the end of the year after hosting 'First Take' since 2015, despite being offered a new contract, and hinted at upcoming news about her next move.