Molly Qerim (Photo By Instagram/@mollyqerim)
Molly Qerim just gave sports fans in New York a reason to clear their calendars. The longtime host of ESPN’s First Take revealed that she and Stephen A. Smith are taking the show out of the studio and onto a live stage later this month. It’s a rare chance for viewers to catch the dynamic duo in action, up close and personal.

Qerim, who’s been at the helm of First Take since 2015, shared the exciting news on Instagram. The show will broadcast live from Fanatics Fest in New York City on Friday, June 20, from 10 a.m. to noon Eastern Time.

ESPN officially confirmed the appearance in a post Wednesday, writing, “First Take will be LIVE from Fanatics Fest Friday, June 20, See you there!”

Fans React To Live First Take at Fanatics Fest

Molly Qerim and Stephen Smith (Photo By Imagn Images)

Unsurprisingly, fans are buzzing about the upcoming broadcast. With Qerim’s popularity on social media, she boasts over 700,000 Instagram followers, and Smith’s headline-making takes, the live appearance promises to draw a crowd. The chemistry between the two has become a staple of morning sports television, and now fans will get to see it in person.

 

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“Let’s goooo,” one fan wrote in the comments, clearly fired up.

Others echoed the excitement, posting fire emojis and even drawing comparisons to The Shop, asking who would pull the better guest lineup.

Another added, “Another great event in New York City. God bless you all.”

Fanatics Fest, hosted by the global sports memorabilia brand Fanatics, ranks among the premier events for collectors and fans alike. Featuring exclusive merchandise and appearances from top names in sports and entertainment, the festival gives fans rare access to the industry’s biggest personalities. This year, First Take is taking center stage.

Qerim, a proud UConn alum, is known for her balance and quick wit on air. She often keeps Stephen A. Smith in check, no easy task. Now, she’s bringing that same energy to the public. Fans are thrilled and showing their excitement online. Judging by the buzz, the city is more than ready for her next move.

Houston Texans star Azeez Al-Shaair has admitted regrets over his illegal hit to Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence and the ensuing brawl between the teams in a lengthy statement on social media.  

Al-Shaair’s statement comes as his three-game suspension as a result of the incident has ended and he is slated to return to the field for the Texans on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans.

On December 1, an Al-Shaair hit to the head of a sliding and defenseless Lawrence caused chaos in Jacksonville. The defensive back needed to be restrained by several coaches and Lawrence has not played since taking the barbaric contact.

‘While so many jumped at the first opportunity to hop on the false narrative – that l’m a dirty player or bad person – the messages from all who stood by me were the only things keeping me mentally afloat during a time of isolation,’ Al-Shaair said on social media.

‘I’ve learned so much from this entire experience. Seeing myself on video – letting my emotions get the best of me to the point where I completely lost it – was an embarrassing and eye-opening moment for me.’

‘I’ve had to earn everything in my life. I never want to allow anyone to get me to a point where I jeopardize everything that I’ve worked all my life to obtain. That was not the way I want to represent myself or my family and I will continue to learn and grow from that moment.’

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Azeez Al-Shaair has admitted regrets over his hit to Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence

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The Texans defensive back was suspended for three games as a result of the hit to Lawrence

Al-Shaair said during his three-game ban, he met with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and other league executives for the first time, taking issue with how he was characterized in the official announcement of his suspension.

The defender said he thought his character and integrity were ‘unjustifiably smeared’ in the release but the meeting with Goodell and others was ‘productive’ and gave him hope it would not happen again.

‘In that conversation – man-to-man – I owned and acknowledged that my actions following my ejection were careless and, in that moment, I didn’t think about the responsibility I have been blessed with to represent the shield,’ Al-Shaair continued.

‘I also stated that the letter, and specifically the language used in the letter, was equally as careless and conveyed that the context of the words used were not a reflection of my character, nor my career, as I have not been warned multiple times for my play on the field.’

Al-Shaair’s hit on Lawrence was not the only controversial incident he was involved in this season.

During the Texans’ game against the Bears in September, he punched Roschon Johnson, who wasn’t even in the game at the time of another sideline confrontation.

Al-Shaair ended his statement by saying his view is that everyone in the league office and on the field are on the same team to represent the NFL in the best nature possible, something he failed to do earlier this month.

‘Lastly, I’ll say that this world is full of negative people who can’t wait to tear you down, but if you move with love and compassion, the seeds of good you planted in others’ lives can grow into the very tree that shades you with comfort and compassion when you need it most,’ Al-Shaair concluded.

‘I am a man of God, I am a leader, a warrior and a lover. I am also a hell of a football player and I’m grateful to be back doing what I love.’