My Take on First Take

Who doesn't love a debate? I certainly do, and millions of other people across the world do as well. You can look at this show with disgust or be thrilled by its entertainment. This program has both positive and negative aspects in sports journalism. First, you get all the latest news that has developed within the last 24 hours. Everything Stephen A. Smith and Max Kellerman talk about is hot right then in the sports world. You're able to get multiple standpoints on a certain topic that can persuade you and allow you to understand both sides of what the discussion is about. Also, everyday there is a guest speaker from either the NBA, NFL, or a well known sports analyst. The information is very insightful and knowledgeable as both Stephen A. and Max always have done their homework about all the topics being discussed during First Take. While this sounds positive, there are problems on the show.

There is a lot of bias and selfishness that is seen in the show. For example, Stephen A. Smith never, and I mean NEVER says the Cowboys are going to win because he is a Giants fan, and often routes against the Patriots and against teams that he does not want to win simply because he doesn't want them to. Max Kellerman is also not very professional at times. He is stubborn and refuses to accepts when he is wrong (both do but Max is worse). In addition, a lot of people do not like either of the two because they believe they say stupid things, and sound unintelligent. Just from friends and family, I hear that both of the analysts know nothing about sports and they talk complete nonsense about the NBA and NFL. Writer Vinson Cunningham from The New Yorker wrote an article titled, Stephen A. Smith Won't Stop Talking. The author mentions how Stephen A. rambles on and talks just to talk. Next, it's obvious the two argue simply for the sake of having an argument sometimes. I have seen the show where they are yelling at each other but are fighting to prove the same point! Despite all the First Take hate, and people that say they are both morons, idiots, and overrated analysts still for some reason tune in everyday.

I believe people can't help but hate them, and watch just to criticize the show. As a viewer, I watch to see what they say about my teams in hopes that they praise how they are doing to make me feel better about their chances of winning. The problems I listed above aren't as much about the show as it is the viewers. Everyone thinks what they have to say is correct... all the time. Honestly who doesn't considering it is what you believe and stand by. There are so many opportunities for people to oppose what Stephen A. Smith and Max Kellerman say because they argue about so many topics every episode. In journalism you have to be able to talk about anything, sound credible, talk about what people want, and most importantly, debate. It is must see T.V. because everyone wants to witness what the new controversy is over and see these two people go head to head on the hottest topics around the sports world. So in closing; yes, First Take is a good example of Sports journalism, but people are too mindless to broaden their views about what is being said.