“First Take,” ESPN’s top-rated debate show with Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim, kicked off Fanatics Fest NYC at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York City on Friday, Aug. 16. An energetic crowd was in attendance and became part of the show, as did Radio Hall of Fame inductee Chris Russo, known as Mad Dog; former NFL player Ryan Clark, who also co-hosts the podcast “The Pivot”; former NBA player Jay Williams; actor and comedian Druski; and Orlando Magic All-Star Paolo Banchero. Stars such as news personality Gayle King, Fanatics founder Michael Rubin and New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft also stopped by.
One of the most spirited topics of the day was titled, “Bigger Deal: If Jets or Knicks Win Championship.” Smith, a native New Yorker and a well-known New York Knicks fan, said the Knicks winning a championship would be the bigger deal. With Knicks stars Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart hosting events later that day, thousands of Knicks’ fans were in the building and those attendees made their presence felt, agreeing with the HBCU graduate. Russo went the other way and said the New York Jets would be a bigger story. Qerim asked the crowd what they thought, and a “Let’s go Knicks” chant erupted.
Another popular topic was “The Greatest Yankee of All-Time,” to which Smith said Derek Jeter, which the crowd also approved. Russo said Jeter wasn’t even a top-five Yankee of all time and heard the disapproval of the Yankees’ fans in attendance.
During the commercial breaks, numerous fans could be heard screaming, “I love you, Molly.” Qerim let the crowd know they were all connected to wires and microphones.
If you ever get the opportunity to experience the energy of a live taping of “First Take,” which happened earlier this month at the National Association of Black Journalists convention, do yourself a favor and make sure you are in attendance. There were giveaways, and you never know when you may get a chance to shine on camera. “First Take” airs on ESPN weekdays at 10 a.m.
