Recently, there has been a major shakeup in ESPN First Take. Cassidy Hubbarth has taken over for Molly Qerim; Stephen A. Smith, meanwhile, is nowhere to be seen.

Always a court of controversy, the show does its best at ESPN. The past week, however, has proven to be more of a whirlpool than any seasoned sports pundit could have foreseen.

Step forward Cassidy Hubbarth, rising sportscaster and new co-host, filling the empty hole created when Sharper’s replacement at ESPN, Stephen A. Smith, was out to refute fitly.

Although Hubbard’s first performance has won high praise, the specter of Smith’s recent fight with a Dallas Cowboy fan (recounted as having been over severe criticism of the team) looms long for the program.

Cassidy Hubbarth Replaces Molly Qerim

Now, on a well-earned break, the regular host of First Take is Molly Qerim. In her place, then, Cassidy Hubbarth of ESPN Radio’s GameDay has stepped forward to carry the torch. While this is not the first time the spotlight is on Hubbarth on the network, First Take is one of its biggest shows, making this a big change for him.

Stephen A. Smith’s Absence

For most of July, incumbent analyst Stephen A. Smith has been missing from First Take since he began his tenure in 2012. Smith admitted that he is recovering from shoulder surgery on which three injuries were found.

There was a partial tear in his rotator cuff and bicep, the labrum was frayed, and there was a bone spur. He plans to rejoin ESPN in August at the earliest.

Incident at Dallas Airport

An unexpected incident happened at Dallas airport when a Cowboys fan supposedly punched Stephen A. Smith in an airport in Dallas. A critic of the Dallas Cowboys, Smith had been talking trash about them.

Conclusion

Indeed, these changes in ESPN First Take have shaken up the sports broadcasting world. With Cassidy Hubbarth taking over for Molly Qerim and Stephen A. Smith recovering from his surgery, viewers are anxiously awaiting the return of each member to their usual spot in the lineup. At the same time, yesterday’s Dallas airport incident is a bitter reminder of just how frenzied sports fans can become.

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