By Evan Tecimer

Over the past few months, I’ve started to watch more YouTube. I’ve been going through multiple accounts, looking at different types of posts and videos. My favorite, by far, has been ESPN’s First Take.

Growing up, I used to play a lot of sports, but I did not like to watch them. I played soccer, hockey, and baseball as a kid; however, I never had the urge to watch those same sports being played at a professional level. I was more interested in my Nintendo 3DS, playing games such as Mario Kart, Kirby, and Super Mario Bros. When I was watching TV, it was likely that Disney Channel or Teletoon was playing. As I grew up, playing sports at a higher level, and just growing up in general, I became very interested in sports. Around the age of ten, I became a Toronto Blue Jay, Maple Leafs, and Raptor fan. A few years later, I grew into football more than any other sport, turning into a Buffalo Bills fanatic. The only thing that I now watch on TV is sports. 

First Take is a show on ESPN, with Stephen A. Smith and Max Kellerman. They also usually bring in a guest or multiple guests, athletes, coaches, and analytics experts. There is always a topic for each video, usually relating to breaking news, reactions to an important event, or breaking down sports games from the previous day. Although both Stephen A. and Max are very knowledgeable in all sports, they specialize in football and basketball. 

Max and Stephen A. have debates every video. They are constantly clashing with one another, trying to prove one another wrong. One of the main reasons that I love the show so much is because I get to form my own opinion. Both Stephen A. and Max will usually recite a few facts to back their arguments. After hearing both sides and with the help of their facts, I can make a decision about what I think on the topic. I can also ask my friends about their opinions on the subjects, and we can have our debates. 

Another reason that I enjoy watching the show is that they act human. Stephen A., especially, has his own opinions and states them as if they are facts. Both Max and Stephen do not just stick to the script. They will express their opinions and their emotions on each topic. As an example, Stephen A. hates the Dallas Cowboys with a passion. Anytime they lose a game, he will find a way to ridicule the team and anyone who is associated with them. I appreciate it when he does that, as I find it human and hilarious. We all have things that we love and hate. They are not trying to be extremely serious. They are open to expressing their honest thoughts and ideas on each topic. 

If you are into any sports whatsoever, I strongly recommend going to YouTube and watching a little bit of First Take. Whether it be about Michael Jordan, Patrick Mahomes, or anything in between, Stephen A. and Max will get the debate started. 

Here are a few to get you started:

LaVar Ball & Stephen A have an intense shouting match 

LaVar Ball joins First Take and goes back and forth with Stephen A. Smith in a heated debate regarding his views on beating Michael Jordan in a game of 1-on-1, comparing Lonzo Ball to Steph Curry, and saying Lonzo would have a bigger impact on the Los Angeles Lakers than Magic Johnson.

Stephen A. refuses to talk about Tom Brady with Max ever again!

Stephen A. Smith, Max Kellerman and Keyshawn Johnson weigh in on Tom Brady’s performance in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ commanding win against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Stephen A. reacts to the Cowboys losing to the Bills

Stephen A. Smith reacts to the Dallas Cowboys’ Thanksgiving Day loss to the Buffalo Bills.