VIDEO: Footage Surfaces of LaVar Ball Making Similar 'Switching Gears' Comment on First Take in 2017
By Mark Powell
In the aftermath of LaVar Ball essentially being banned from future television appearances on ESPN for the foreseeable future, some have wondered if the worldwide leader went too far. Their argument, per usual, is that ESPN is being hypersensitive due to public outcry. The merit of that viewpoint is certainly questionable, but Ball does have an unusual way with words. On a previous First Take appearance in 2017, Ball was heard using the same expression towards Molly Qerim with very little discussion afterwards.
@Lavarbigballer been "Switching Gears" on @espn and @FirstTake for years! looks like it's time for them to keep the same energy! With that public apology! @MollyQerim @stephenasmith @cthagod pic.twitter.com/eTBEh1ZvDz
— ABtheHERO (@ABtheHero) June 21, 2019
Now, the primary difference here in there is no innuendo attached to LaVar's hand motion when Qerim asked to 'switch gears' a few years ago. Last week, he stated he'd let Qerim switch gears on him any time, which was interpreted as Ball making a pass on the First Take host.
espn: lavar ball is no longer welcome on this platform
— sixers in 6 (@dmay706) June 21, 2019
also, espn: we have a special guest with us on first take today! how have you been, Dennis Rodman?
Public outcry certainly played a role in how ESPN reacted to this controversy, as they've failed to come out against some controversial opinions in the past. Nonetheless, considering LaVar's son now plays for the New Orleans Pelicans and is out of the public spotlight, did we really need him on national television regularly anyway?