ESPN host Molly Qerim accused of pulling ‘race card’ over USA vs Canada hockey brawl

Molly Qerim caused a public uproar after controversial comments about legal fighting in hockey after USA vs Canada 4 Nations Face-Off final.

ESPN host Molly Qerim accused of pulling ‘race card’ over USA vs Canada hockey brawl

Molly Qerim faces backlash over controversial comments on First Take (Image via Instagram)

Of late, the viewers piqued an interest in hockey and the NHL with the ongoing 4 Nations Face-Off. Amid the buzz, ESPN’s Molly Qerim called out the alleged discrimination prevalent in hockey, contrasting it to other sports. Her comment has sparked fire on the internet from the fans. On a recent segment of First Take, she gave a controversial opinion that has since then caused on uproar on social media.

While discussing the 4 Nations Face-Off final between the United States and Canada, the host remarked on the fighting in hockey. Qerim’s insinuation that the sport is “hypocritical” for condoning violence, while other sports deem it unacceptable, raised some eyebrows. A multitude of fans believed she hinted at the superiority of a certain race.

It’s just interesting to me that certain sports, you’re allowed to fight. And other sports, it could never happen.

Molly Qerim via First Take
YouTube video

As an aftermath of the clip circulating on the internet, the fans called out the ESPN host on the dismay caused by the comments. Molly Qerim’s controversial take came after Saturday’s preliminary round game between the United States and Canada. Less than 10 seconds into the match, the teams had already engaged in three brawls.

FS Video

While it further piqued the fans’ interest, it also heightened tensions between the teams. As per the guidelines followed by the sport, fighting is legal until the athlete practices certain procedures. The tournament and the NHL have rules requiring players to remove their gloves for a one-on-one fight, which officials may stop at their discretion. Additionally, it comes with a five-minute major penalty. 

Molly Qerim pointed out that no other sports league tolerated such practices and has always taken strict action in such cases. However, in hockey, any violation of the rulebook has historically ended in lengthy suspensions. The ESPN host‘s comment outraged the fans who went on to call out the facts for Qerim. As of now, she has not given any counter-statement.

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Molly Qerim’s comments caused a public outcry on social media

Many on social media have blasted Molly Qerim for conjecturing the involvement of race in decisions involving sports. Noting the sensitivity of the topic, they also called out the top network for promoting such commentary. Some users claimed that the innuendo was purposeful in a certain direction.

Matthew Tkachuk and Brandon Hagel
Matthew Tkachuk and Brandon Hagel started the fireworks early on with a fight within two seconds of the USA vs Canada game (Image via NY Post/X)

“Always pulling the race card, I feel so sorry for those poor black victims,” wrote one user on X. Check out some of the other reactions:

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Molly Qerim’s take and ESPN’s tendency to recurring outlook was highly scrutinized on social media. Notably, this is not the first time the First Take host has received backlash for her comments regarding sports. Neither of the times did the sports analyst go back to clarify her views or offer apologies despite the public uproar.