When ESPN’s First Take hit the air Tuesday morning, something was different. Molly Qerim, who had sat alongside Stephen A. Smith for the last decade, was gone. Hours earlier, Smith revealed on his SiriusXM show that Qerim had “abruptly resigned” from the network, a move he admitted left him shocked and disappointed.
“For me, it’s just uncomfortable to see,”Smith explained. “Molly is a friend, Molly is a co-worker, Molly is somebody that I’ve leaned on many occasions. To say I’m sad about it is an understatement.”
Qerim, who joined First Take in 2015, confirmed her departure on Instagram Tuesday morning. Her post was short but telling: the news had leaked earlier than planned, and she ended with a teasing “Stay tuned” and a smiley face.
The Truth Behind Molly Qerim’s Exit
While Smith avoided specifics, he hinted that contract talks had reached a breaking point. “The details, quite frankly, are none of y’all’ business,” he said. “ESPN certainly did not want to lose her. But in the end, she made her decision to walk away from the show effective immediately.”
Industry reports back that up. Sports Business Journal noted that Qerim declined ESPN’s extension offer, deciding instead to close the chapter on her decade-long run.
Smith admitted he didn’t see it coming. “To be blunt, it came as a shock. I was not aware she was contemplating this,” he said. “Do I have an idea? Of course. Am I going to share it? No. Because that’s her story to tell.”
ESPN Responds
Shortly after Qerim’s announcement, ESPN President of Content Burke Magnus praised her impact on the network: “She elevated the show with her poise, skill, and professionalism, while supporting others as a kind and encouraging teammate. We respect her decision and wish her the best.”
For viewers, the loss is significant. Qerim was more than a moderator – she was the steady presence balancing Smith’s fiery takes with calm and thoughtful control.
Qerim hasn’t revealed her next move, but her résumé suggests options across sports and media. She previously worked at NFL Network and CBS Sports before taking over the moderator’s chair on First Take.
For now, Smith says the focus is on gratitude.“I don’t like it. I’m not happy about it,” he admitted. “But the love is always here. I’m going to miss her.”
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