UPDATED 3:47 p.m. ET: ESPN has responded to the comments Ball made to Molly Qerim on Monday's episode of First Take, according to TMZ.
"LaVar Ball’s comment to Molly Qerim Rose was completely inappropriate," the network said. "We made him aware of that."
See original story below.
LaVar Ball took to ESPN's First Take to deliver his unfiltered commentary on Lonzo becoming a Pelican. Things took a turn toward controversy when he made a suggestive comment to the show's mediator, Molly Qerim.
In an attempt to steer the show back on track, Qerim asked LaVar if she could "switch gears" as a segway to her next question. An overzealous Ball took this as an opportunity to make an off-color comment to Qerim.
"You can switch gears with me anytime," Ball responded.
As expected, the cast of First Take was unable to hide their facial expressions following Ball's statement. Although they were able to regain composure and continue the segment, many viewers took to social media to condemn Ball for his antics.
Qierm—who is married to analyst Jalen Rose—alluded to Ball's behavior when she joked about calling ESPN's human resource department before the episode ended.