in LIFE, U.S. NEWS

She Couldn’t Hold It In – Molly Qerim Drops a Bomb on Hockey and Race!

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For years, ESPN focused on sports, steering clear of political debates and cultural hot topics. But now, the network seems eager to wade into controversial waters. Case in point: Molly Qerim’s recent comments on First Take have sparked a heated discussion online.

The topic? Hockey fights.

During a segment discussing the 4 Nations Face-Off, which will conclude with a high-stakes USA vs. Canada championship game, Qerim shared her thoughts on the physicality of the sport:

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

While she didn’t explicitly call out racial disparities, many viewers felt she was implying that white hockey players get a pass for brawling, while NBA and NFL players—leagues with a higher percentage of black athletes—face harsher consequences for physical altercations.

After her comment was largely ignored by Stephen A. Smith and Christopher “Mad Dog” Russo, she doubled down:

“Optics! Just a little hypocrisy.”

Predictably, her remarks lit up social media, with fans on both sides chiming in. Some agreed with her take, while others argued that the rules are simply different across leagues and that race has nothing to do with it.

The NHL, unlike the NBA or NFL, has a long-standing tradition of allowing fighting under certain circumstances. It’s not a free-for-all, but when two players drop their gloves, they receive a five-minute major penalty—not an ejection or suspension. The idea is that fighting provides a controlled way for players to settle disputes, release tension, and even entertain fans.

Compare that to the NBA, which has strict rules against fighting:

“Violent acts of any nature on the court will not be tolerated. Players involved in altercations will be ejected, fined and/or suspended. There is absolutely no justification for fighting in an NBA game.”

The NHL, on the other hand, embraces the old-school, gladiatorial aspect of hockey, where a well-timed fight can shift momentum and even serve as a form of sportsmanship. It’s common to see players shake hands or acknowledge one another after a fight with a simple “good fight, bud.”

Fans of hockey argue that fighting is part of the culture, an unwritten code that keeps the game in check. Without it, tensions could escalate in more dangerous ways—through cheap shots or reckless hits. It’s a self-policing mechanism unique to the sport.

Meanwhile, the NBA’s strict anti-fighting stance traces back to one infamous moment: The “Malice at the Palace.” The 2004 brawl between the Indiana Pacers and Detroit Pistons spilled into the stands, turning into one of the ugliest incidents in sports history. Ever since, the league has made it clear: there’s zero tolerance for fighting.

So, is it hypocrisy, as Qerim suggests, or just different sports with different rules?

At the end of the day, hockey is built differently. The players, the culture, the fans—they embrace the chaos, while leagues like the NBA and NFL have decided that physical altercations cross the line.

Still, in today’s climate, where everything is viewed through a cultural and racial lens, Qerim’s comments are bound to keep the debate raging.

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