Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim (Photo via ESPN)
Molly Qerim and Stephen A. Smith got into a heated conversation on ESPN’s ‘First Take’ program while discussing Bill Belichick and the North Carolina Tar Heels.
On Thursday, the Tar Heels officially welcomed and introduced Belichick as their new head coach, just a few weeks after the legendary Mack Brown was fired. And let’s just say that Stephen A. Smith isn’t buying the idea of Belichick reviving the struggling football program.
Qerim said that Belichick going to UNC is “appointment viewing”, comparing it to Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders and his success with the Colorado Buffaloes. Smith told Qerim he “respectfully” doesn’t “care” and that people will stop paying attention to the Belichick-coached Tar Heels after one year.
That’s where Molly Qerim teed off on the polarizing ESPN personality:
“Let me finish my point. You don’t care about smell markets. For you it’s always box office. You’re a New Yorker that’s an Alabama fan, it’s just not sexy enough for you. But you’re seeing it through your lens, and not through all football fans’ (lens). I know you don’t care about my opinion, but other people (do).”
During Qerim’s take, Stephen A. Smith told her she doesn’t have “a license to misrepresent” him. He said that he watches Alabama, Kentucky and North Carolina, noting that they’re not giant markets.
Molly Qerim calls out Stephen A. Smith for big-market bias in his sports takes as the ‘First Take’ hosts spar over Bill Belichick’s move to North Carolina:
“Molly completely misrepresents me, that’s alright.”
(h/t @BucksShowYo) pic.twitter.com/hK9WRxoAan
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) December 12, 2024
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Belichick was employed by an NFL team every year from 1975 to 2014, beginning with the NFL’s Baltimore Colts. After being let go by the New England Patriots last January, Belichick interviewed for the Atlanta Falcons’ HC vacancy but was passed over in favor of Raheem Morris.
Belichick has never once coached at the collegiate level, and Stephen A. Smith obviously doesn’t think he’s cut out for it. His contract with the Tar Heels is a five-year deal, though the last two seasons of the pact aren’t guaranteed.
Stephen A. Smith Is Close To Signing New Nine-Figure Deal With ESPN
It was recently reported by Andrew Marchand of The Athletic that the veteran ESPN personality is close to signing a lucrative long-term contract extension with the Worldwide Leader in Sports. Smith’s next deal is reportedly going to be a six-year pact worth around $120 million, which is essentially MLB superstar or elite NFL wide receiver money.
“Bronny James Is The One Who F**ked It Up” – Stephen A Smith And Bill Maher Have An Interesting Take On LeBron James’ Son’s Future In The NBA
Bronny James and Stephen A. Smith (Image Credit: Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers selected Bronny James with the 55th pick during the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft. However, this decision did not unfold as anticipated. Fans, players, and analysts quickly voiced their concerns, labeling it as nepotism. They believe the Lakers prioritized Bronny’s connection to his father, LeBron James, over other considerations.
Even months after the draft, this criticism persists. During a recent episode of the Club Random Podcast, host Bill Maher offered his insights on Bronny’s future in the NBA. He remarked, “Bronny James is the one who f**ked it up,” highlighting the ongoing scrutiny surrounding the young player.
“I see this sort of world of nepo babies and trust fund kinds when you’re out … Bronny James is the one who f****d it up. Because the point of it for people who didn’t see it is that sports’s the last place where you can trust that it’s not nepo babies … everything is nepo babies except sports.” Maher said.
Maher continued to criticize James Jr. by stating that the approximately 600 athletes in the NBA represent the finest talent in the world, emphasizing that James Jr. is not ranked among these elite players.
Stephen A. Smith Highlights A Crucial Mistake At The Center Of Bronny James’ Criticism
LeBron James, the iconic star of the Lakers, has made a significant mark in the 2024-25 NBA season by playing alongside his son, Bronny. This historic milestone sees them becoming the first father-son duo to compete on the NBA court. However, despite this extraordinary achievement, Bronny continues to encounter scrutiny. Sports analyst Smith pointed out a critical error that has fueled the ongoing criticism aimed at the 20-year-old James.
“LeBron James has done so much for this league, him wanting the moment of being in an NBA game with his son is not the crime. Here’s what the crime was, Bill. You have that moment on opening night. At that moment, Bronny James, you know you belong in the G League—go to the G League. ‘Now that I got this moment, it’s time for me to go and earn my stripes.’” Smith said.
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At this point, Bronny has yet to effectively address the criticism aimed at his performance levels. He continues to face challenges when it comes to scoring.
