SPORTS debate show First Take has been removed from the ESPN lineup for two days this week.
The popular program is usually a staple of the network’s weekday morning lineup.
GettyStephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim are both on a break from First Take[/caption] GettyESPN is broadcasting Wimbledon live from London, England[/caption]But there’s no room for it due to ESPN’s coverage of a huge sporting event.
The sports giants are showing Wimbledon live from London, England this fortnight.
Their coverage has taken over the main ESPN channel every day.
Last week First Take found itself bumped to ESPN2 to accommodate the tennis.
London is five hours ahead of the East Coast, meaning play starts as early as 6 am ET.
But for two days this week, both ESPN and ESPN2 showed live tennis.
That meant First Take was ditched altogether on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Those two days see quarterfinal action happen simultaneously on two different courts.
And ESPN has scrapped studio shows for two days to make way for live tennis on both channels.
Regular First Take host Molly Qerim announced recently that she would be taking a break from the show.
She said last week, “Another NBA szn in the books. Thank y’all for rocking with us 10 yrs & counting.
“Time to work on my tan-lines, shut my brain off & be with the fam.
“See ya in a few weeks. Grateful always, MQ.”
Stephen A. Smith is also taking a break having been a big part of ESPN’s NBA coverage all season.
There were fears over ESPN’s ratings for Wimbledon after two early shocks featuring leading American female players.
No. 2 seed Coco Gauff and No. 3 seed Jess Pegula both lost in the first round Tuesday.
But ESPN announced record viewership for the opening round despite the US setback.
The network signed a 12-year extension worth a reported $400 million to continue broadcasting The Championships until 2035.
This year has seen a major break from tradition by the All-England Club.
Both singles finals have been pushed back from 2 pm local time to 4 pm local time.
That means they will now start at a more favorable 11 am ET for US viewers.
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