During Wednesday’s episode of ‘First Take,’ host Molly Qerim took an unexpected turn, going into ‘attack mode’ against Stephen A. Smith, also known as ‘Mad Dog.’ The incident unfolded as Smith expressed his nervousness about his upcoming segment, citing pressure from a special guest in the audience. Qerim, however, brushed off his concerns and, with a mischievous smile, rolled up a piece of paper and began playfully whacking Smith with it, drawing both laughter and surprise from the crew and viewers.
Later in the show, during Smith’s highly anticipated segment, he addressed the incident with his signature wit, acknowledging the pressure but assuring viewers that it had not affected his performance. The segment was a success, earning praise from fans on social media.
One fan commented, ‘What’s Mad Dog Mad about? On First Take on ESPN might be my favorite thing on the network.’ Another fan praised Smith’s rant, saying, ‘Nah. The Mad Dog’s rant about Daryl Morey is an INSTANT CLASSIC.’ A third fan couldn’t resist a playful dig at Smith’s outfit, saying, ‘Mad Dog Russo dressed like the Notre Dame logo lmfao.’
Despite the lighthearted nature of the incident, it highlighted the camaraderie and playful banter among the ‘First Take’ crew. Qerim’s playful attack on Smith demonstrated her ability to both engage with her co-hosts and entertain viewers, adding a touch of humor to the show’s often intense debates.
