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First Take is among the biggest money-making show on ESPN these days. But you would think with all of the viewership it gets that the network would invest in some backup generators in case of a power outage.
Incidents like today would certainly be a good reason to do so.
Midway through Wednesday's edition of the show, Molly Qerim and Chris "Mad Dog" Russo started filming the show in the hallway of ESPN's studio. Qerim revealed that the show suffered a power outage, while Russo decided to crack some jokes about it.
"We lost power. So Mad Dog, tell us why you're mad. I'm sure you're not happy about this," Qerim said.
"Well if they didn't pay Stephen A. $400 million, maybe they could pay their freakin' bills, ESPN!" he yelled. "But Jimmy and the fellas, goodness gracious! How dare you a) squeeze me and stick me in a hallway and... look at these stupid things! You took me away from my set! All because you gotta pay him $150 million guaranteed?!"
Smith couldn't help but crack a smile through Russo's rant.
The First Take studio lost power, so they filmed the show in the hallway.
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) May 28, 2025
Chris Russo:
"If they didn't pay Stephen A. $400 million, maybe they could pay their freakin' bills, ESPN!" pic.twitter.com/L5nTMvOuJH
ESPN executive John Manzo took to X and joked that it's a good thing the studio is moving this summer, while other fans cracked more jokes at ESPN's expense:
"Good thing our studio shows are moving to a new location this summer!" Manzo wrote.
"Oh that’s big hate," another user joked.
"Finally, they are where they belong!" joked a third.
"Jesus Christ what have they done to my beautiful ESPN?"
Qerim and Russo went on to finish the show outside of the studio. Other than the background being different and the acoustics sounding a little off, the rest of the show seemed to go off without any real hitch for the viewers.
Fortunately for the First Take showrunners, people generally have far more issues about the content of the show rather than the infrastructure behind it.
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Shedeur Sanders' Notable Comment About Staying In Cleveland
Cleveland Browns rookie Shedeur Sanders is dealing with back tightness, and the former Colorado Buffaloes quarterback revealed how his current injury impacts his ability to leave Cleveland during the Browns' bye week. Colorado's Homecoming matchup against the Arizona Wildcats is on Saturday, Nov. 1, lining up perfectly with Sanders' off week during his rookie season. The former Buffs star was in Folsom Field to see his jersey number retired, alongside Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter, at Colorado's spring game in April. However, fans were curious if Sanders would be back in Boulder during his first NFL bye week. "Am I coming to CU Homecoming? Nah I'm not coming to CU Homecoming. I can't make it out there. . . . I wish I could though, but just can't happen. I got treatment out here. I gotta get ready, big ready," Sanders said. Reading into Sanders' Comments What exactly could Sanders mean by "big ready?" The Browns rookie has yet to play in his rookie season, and all signs currently point to Cleveland quarterback Dillon Gabriel continuing to start for the team. Browns coach Kevin Stefanski has made it clear that Gabriel will continue to lead the Browns offense, but Stefanski did provide an update on Sanders' injury. "He obviously came in Saturday with his back injury. We were hopeful that he'd be able to move around well enough to suit up on Sunday. But, put him through a pregame warmup, and obviously just didn't feel like he was ready to play. . . . He's getting better every day and I'm hopeful that he'll continue to improve." Sanders can't see the field if he isn't healthy, so missing Colorado's homecoming makes sense as the former Buffs star continues to receive treatment. There should be plenty of opportunities for Sanders to visit his former team and his dad, Colorado coach Deion Sanders, in the future. "Coach Prime" and the Buffs have struggled to replace stars like Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter as Colorado currently sits at 3-5. Shedeur Sanders' Rookie Season As Sanders recovers, will he get a chance to prove himself in a game during his rookie year? The Browns are 2-6 entering the bye, and Gabriel's adjusted quarterback rating (25.5) is the lowest in the NFL. While Gabriel has played a few games and deserves time to develop, the case for playing Sanders only grows after each loss. At Colorado, the former Buffs quarterback set multiple program records including single-season highs in passing yards (4,134), touchdowns (37), completion percentage (74 percent) in 2024. Sanders also led the Big 12 in those categories in his last season of college football. Meanwhile, some have reported that Sanders could potentially be traded with Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson progressing in his return from Achilles surgery. The future is unclear
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Blue Jays' Trey Yesavage is already making the rest of MLB look foolish for passing on him
The Toronto Blue Jays and their fans witnessed something special on Wednesday night. It doesn’t get much better than a convincing 6-1 Game 5 win to take a 3-2 lead over the superteam Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series. Heading back home with the chance to win a championship at the Rogers Centre was what truly mattered for the Blue Jays; however, the way it all played out in such a pivotal game at Dodger Stadium will go down in history. Starting pitcher Trey Yesavage was untouchable, throwing seven dominant innings where he allowed just one run on three hits while striking out 12. Those 12 punchouts set the rookie record for the most ever in a World Series game. Seven of them came against the heart of the order in Shohei Ohtani, Will Smith, Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman. His one-of-a-kind splitter had them fooled from start to finish. Yesavage’s ridiculous rise from starting the year in Class-A Dunedin to carving up the best lineups in baseball in the postseason is unheard of. It makes you wonder how he fell all the way to the Blue Jays at pick No. 20 in the 2024 MLB Draft to begin with. Trey Yesavage has 18 teams regretting their decision While it’s still extremely early to be looking back on his draft class, what Yesavage has done these last few months can’t be replicated. A 22-year-old jumping onto a moving train with just three career MLB starts under his belt goes on to start five playoff games, posting a 3-1 record with a 3.46 ERA and a whopping 39 strikeouts. Those are the kinds of numbers you expect to see from Tarik Skubal or Yoshinobu Yamamoto, not a rookie with almost no big league experience. Nineteen different organizations let Yesavage slide down the draft board last July. At this point, the Athletics are the only ones who should feel alright about their decision, given that first baseman Nick Kurtz already looks like one of the best hitters in baseball. The 18 others look silly. While some of these prospects will certainly turn out to be good players, it’s safe to say that none of them will make this type of impact on the world’s biggest stage. If the Blue Jays can pull this off and win their third World Series title in franchise history, Yesavage will never have to buy another meal in Toronto again. Quite frankly, he’s been so good that he may not have to even if they don’t find a way to finish the job. No matter how this all ends, Yesavage has not only turned himself into a Toronto sports legend, but a Canadian sports legend. The city and country can't wait to see what else he has in store because if this postseason was any indication, then they are in for many more historic performances in the years to come.
Steelers, Jaylen Waddle Trade Window May Have Reopened
The Pittsburgh Steelers want a wide receiver. They thought about the addition of Marques Valdes-Scantling, only to leave the door open for a bigger name. With days remaining before the trade deadline, there are a few, but one may have just reopened that could top their list. The Miami Dolphins have mutually parted ways with long-time general manager Chris Grier after 25 years of working in the position. The team sits at 2-7 and may be nearing the end of head coach Mike McDaniels as well, which could lead to significant changes being made everywhere, including the wide receiver position. Steelers Could Go After Jaylen Waddle The Steelers have reported interest in Jaylen Waddle. According to NFL insider Tony Pauline, the team has Waddle and Tennessee Titans' Calvin Ridley circled, with the Dolphins' firing becoming an interesting turn in the possible outcome at the deadline. "The Pittsburgh Steelers are in the market for another wide receiver and have been inquiring about players available at the position," Pauline wrote. "Two names I am hearing as trade targets are Jaylen Waddle of the Miami Dolphins and Calvin Ridley of the Tennessee Titans." Up until this point, the Dolphins have made it known that they were not open to a trade at the deadline. That likely changes with a change at general manager, and the move signals a bigger rebuild in the making. At 26 years old and a former first-round pick, he is likely their player with the highest price tag, but could also be their easiest to trade. Several teams are looking for a wideout, including the Steelers. What might give Pittsburgh the advantage is that they've been willing to make some splash moves this season. What Would Steelers-Dolphins Trade Look Like? Waddle already has three 1,000-yard seasons in the NFL, and is on pace to add another in 2025. With 586 yards and four touchdowns, he'd lead the Steelers in yards by 125 yards over DK Metcalf. He'd be second on the team in receiving touchdowns. The Steelers would need to give up a Day 2 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to open the conversation for Waddle. The Dolphins would be foolish not to push for a second or third round selection for a young wideout who's been producing. The Steelers shouldn't budge, though. Giving themselves a young wideout to finalize their room for the future is precisely what they need. Waddle is easily their best option, and therefore, they should hope the door has reopened and be willing to make another splash to land him.
From the Boozer twins to a high-flying Eagle: Must-know names for the 2025–26 men's college basketball season
College basketball is almost back. The 2025–26 season tips off Monday, ushering in another year of intrigue, talent and high expectations. Can Florida defend its national title? Will Houston or Purdue finally break through? And who will claim national player of the year honors — a seasoned star like Purdue’s Braden Smith or Texas Tech’s JT Toppin or a dynamic freshman ready to take over? Beyond the headlines, plenty of players and storylines deserve attention. Here are 10 names to know — in alphabetical order — as a new season begins. The Boozer Twins, Duke Blue Devils OK, these are two names here, but you must know them. Power forward Cameron Boozer (6-foot-9) and point guard Cayden Boozer (6-foot-4), both five-star prospects, won a state title last season at Miami's Columbus High and are expected to play key roles as freshmen at Duke, which eyes a return trip to the Final Four. Cameron Boozer is a preseason All-American candidate. Trilly Donovan, Burner Account In recent years, Donovan has built up almost a cult-like following. He's also associated with an excellent media outlet called Basket Under Review. Consider following him on X, where he provides plenty of scoops. Noah Eagle, Broadcaster The 28-year-old is a rising star in the sports broadcasting world. He will serve as one of NBC Sports' lead play-by-play announcers for men's college basketball games. He is also a broadcaster for the NBA and Big Ten Conference football. Eagle's dad, Ian Eagle, is the voice of the men's Final Four. Boogie Fland, Florida Gators Fland had a solid freshman season at Arkansas (13.5 PPG), helping lead the Razorbacks to the Sweet 16. Then the 6-foot-3 guard transferred to defending national champ Florida, where he is expected to be starting point guard. He has big shoes to fill in trying to replace former first-team All-American Walter Clayton Jr. Florida is ranked third in the preseason AP poll. Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan Wolverines The 6-foot-9 forward, a graduate student, was a two-time All-American Conference first-team performer at Alabama-Birmingham before transferring to Michigan. The Wolverines, ranked third in the preseason Associated Press top 10, and Purdue likely will give the Big Ten its best shot to win a national title since Michigan State in 2000. Lendeborg is on the preseason AP All-America first team. Tyler Lundblade, Belmont Bruins The graduate student last season led the nation in three-point shooting (48.1 percent) and on a high volume of attempts (216). Could the former TCU/SMU player lead the country in three-point shooting again? Don't bet against this 6-foot-5 guard. Fun fact: His brother brother Brad played in the NFL as a center. Steven Pearl, Auburn head coach Pearl has big shoes to fill, as in September he replaced his dad, Bruce Pearl, as head coach. Bruce Pearl won 246 games at Auburn and took the Tigers to the Final Four in 2025 and 2019. Auburn is the No. 20 team in the preseason AP Top 25. Darryn Peterson, Kansas Jayhawks Since winning the national championship in 2022, Kansas (No. 19 in AP poll) hasn't advanced past the Big Dance's second round. If the Jayhawks go on a deep run this season, Peterson will be a big reason why. The guard was the No. 1 national prospect in the 2025 class, and analysts think the 6-foot-5 guard has a good shot at being an All-American and the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. Jim Phillips, ACC commissioner In recent seasons, Atlantic Coast Conference teams have advanced far in the NCAA Tournament, but the number of ACC squads getting invited to the Big Dance has lagged way behind other power leagues. (Only four — Duke, Clemson, Louisville, and North Carolina — got invites last season; the SEC had a record 14 invites.) The pressure is on Phillips and his conference to get back to its historical excellence. The ACC made the decision this season to add two more non-conference games to improve member schools' postseason resumes. Will it pay off? Kelvin Sampson, Houston head coach Sampson is on an incredible run with the Cougars, having won at least 30 games in the past four seasons (32, 33, 32, 35). Under his guidance, Houston went to the 2021 Final Four, and the Cougars lost a heartbreaker to Florida this past spring in the national title game. Houston is No. 2 in the preseason AP top 25. This might be Sampson's best chance to win it all.
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