Molly Qerim made an effort to support Stephen A. Smith during a mistake that occurred on-air; however, he chose not to accept her assistanceStephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim (Image Credit: @awfulannouncing/X)
ESPN’s “First Take” has been a popular show among basketball fans for years. The crew, including Molly Qerim and Stephen A. Smith, consistently keeps viewers engaged with their bold takes on various league topics. Yet, this past Friday’s episode took an unexpected turn, leaving fans utterly shocked.

Recently, during an episode of First Take, the discussion focused on Kevin Durant’s future with the Phoenix Suns. In an unexpected turn of events, the camera inadvertently showcased a fleeting view of Stephen A. Smith’s laptop screen. Although the contents were largely illegible, Molly Qerim prompted Smith to shut his laptop. Nevertheless, he appeared hesitant to comply with her request.

Qerim: “Just close it. Trust me. Just close it all.” 

Smith: “That’s not going to happen.”

Qerim: “They’re zooming in on it. They can see your text messages, everything. I’m trying to help you out. It’s all on TV. Just close it. I’m looking out for you.”

This amusing event rapidly gained traction on social media platforms. Fans were quick to crack jokes at Smith.

Stephen A. Smith Reacts To Tyrese Haliburton’s Remarks On Media Commentary

Stephen A. Smith reveals his top 5 point guard listStephen A. Smith (Photo By Kirby Lee/Imagn Images)
The Indiana Pacers snagged a thrilling victory in their NBA Finals showdown against the Oklahoma City Thunder. In a lively post-game press conference, Tyrese Haliburton sparked some controversy with his remarks aimed at the media. While he didn’t directly mention Smith, the latter wasted no time responding during a recent episode of “First Take.”

“If he was talking about me…players far more accomplished and more superior have made their efforts trying to call me out. How has that worked out? I’ll be here no matter what remember that wins a chip.” Smith said.

The ongoing exchange definitely captivated the NBA fans, providing them with an exciting spectacle.

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.’

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

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