GROWING PAINS
‘We’re a little rusty coming back’ Molly Qerim claims after off-camera ESPN star interrupts First Take’s return
Stephen A. Smith still hasn't returned to First Take
FIRST Take had some broadcasting hiccups as the show continues to run without Stephen A. Smith.
During Thursday's episode of the ESPN show, some of the show's talent didn't realize they were live.
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Molly Qerim made her return to First Take after a long hiatus, and the show clearly needed some time to get back into the swing of things.
As the show opened up on Thursday, Molly did her usual introductions, but later got distracted by something off screen.
"Courtney Cronin in the building, looking beautiful as ever," Qerim said.
"Great to have you, I haven't seen you in about a year."
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Molly and Cronin caught up for a bit before the interruption.
"I'm glad you and I got a little time off, but football season is full steam ahead," Cronin said.
Qerim started to speak again before she shouted out about the interruption.
"Bart Scott! I don't think you're ready Bart," she shouted out.
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"Your mic is not open we'll get you in just a little bit though."
Scott was then awkwardly flashed on the screen before Qerim continued opening up the show.
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"We're a little rusty coming back," she admitted after the slip-up.
First Take fans expressed their disdain with the error as viewers continue to beg for Stephen A. to return to First Take.
"I remember when this show used to be good like a decade ago," one fan said.
"We all know he can't wait," another fan said.
"I guess Bart had a brain fart," a third fan said.
First Take viewing figures
First Take went from strength to strength under the guidance of Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim last year.
The weekday ESPN debate show averaged 496,000 viewers in 2023 - making it the most-watched year in program history.
Its December average of 611,000 was a 24% year-on-year increase compared to 2022.
The show also reported more than 250 million views on YouTube.
First Take was helped by the addition of Shannon Sharpe alongside Smith and Qerim after he left Fox Sports' Undisputed.
"Where the hell is Stephen A. Smith and why is he still not back on First Take?" a fourth fan said.
"@stephenasmith we need you back on @FirstTake," a fifth fan said.
There is no indication about when Stephen A. could return to TV screens on ESPN.
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It is possible that there is tension within the network, as Stephen A. hasn't agreed to a new contract with ESPN.
He is reportedly seeking a $25 million per year deal, and is considering looking at other networks if he needs to.
Stephen A. Smith's journey through media
STEPHEN A. Smith is now the face of ESPN and an executive producer on First Take having initially started working for the company back in 2003.
Smith has held various roles with the network, including hosting radio shows, SportsCenter contributions, and appearing on NBA Countdown.
He was a columnist for the Philadelphia Inquirer from 1994 to 2010.
His began as an NBA writer before becoming a general sports columnist.
Before that, Smith worked as a reporter with Winston-Salem Journal, the Greensboro News, and the New York Daily News.