Stephen A Smith claims the ESPN colleague brings ‘a tear to my eye’ as his absence from First Take continues

HE may be on vacation, but Stephen A. Smith is never far from First Take.

The 55-year-old cornerstone of popular sports talk show ESPN watched from afar and cheered on the hosts via an emoji-filled tweet on Friday.

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Smith admitted he “loved @FirstTake this morning,” adding that he particularly enjoyed the contributions from NBA reporter Brian Windhorst.

He continued, “Brings a tear to my eye [smile emoji]. Keep it up.

“@KendrickPerkins, Freddie Coleman, I’m watching you all. never forget that [smile emoji]. Carry the hell on [smile emojis].

“Yes, Perk, I can steal that on my vacation.”

Perkins later responded, commenting, “Wiggle your toes in the sand, huh, big bro [laughing emojis] Continue… [fist bump emoji]”

Friday’s broadcast was hosted by 28-year-old reporter and Paralympic gold medalist Victoria Arlen.

She took over from reporter and former Miami Hurricanes volleyball star Christine Williamson, who hosted the rest of the week.

They had taken the place normally occupied by longtime host, 39-year-old Molly Qerim, who, like Smith, is enjoying a well-deserved break while celebrating her birthday.

Unfortunately for ESPN, this week hasn’t been a smooth transition for all First Take fans.

Some have taken to Twitter to call for Qerim and Smith’s speedy return. One wrote: “Stephen A. when are you returning? If I don’t see Molly Qerim next week I might get sick.”

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