The sports media world is still processing the sudden departure of Molly Qerim from ESPN’s First Take. And on Tuesday, her longtime co-host Stephen A. Smith gave his perspective, dropping hints that the reason behind her exit may be more complicated than fans realize.
“It’s Just Uncomfortable”
Qerim announced Monday that she would step away from ESPN after nearly a decade hosting First Take. While neither she nor the network has revealed a specific reason, Smith addressed the situation live on air, opening up about how difficult the change has been.
“To say that I’m quite sad about it is an understatement,” Smith said. “Molly is a friend. Molly is a co-worker. Molly is somebody that I’ve leaned on on many occasions in the past, as she has done when it comes to me. We’ve been partners on the show for the last 10 years, and a lot of times some of these things happen, and it’s just uncomfortable to see.”
Contract Talks and a Sudden Decision
Smith acknowledged that Qerim’s exit stemmed from contract negotiations, but stressed that ESPN did not want to lose her.
“The details, quite frankly, are none of y’all’ business. It’s not as if I know all the details. It was a contract negotiation that was going on. ESPN certainly did not want to lose her. But in the end, she made her decision to walk away from the show effective immediately.”
The timeline only added to the confusion. Reports initially suggested Qerim would remain until the end of 2025, but her absence on Tuesday and Smith’s words made it clear: her departure was already final.
“Her Story to Tell”
Smith admitted he has an idea why Qerim walked away, but refused to disclose it.
“To be blunt, it came as a shock. I was not aware that this is something that she was contemplating doing. But in the end, she made her decision and we have to move on as a show. I don’t like it. I’m not happy about it because I appreciate her and what she has meant to me, and what she has meant to the show, and what she has meant to the business. And I’m going to miss her. It’s just that simple.”
He closed with a note of respect: “Do I have an idea, of course I do. Am I going to share it with you? No. Because again that’s her story to tell. But the love is always here.”
What’s Next for Molly Qerim?
Qerim, 41, signed off her own announcement with a cryptic “Stay tuned,” fueling speculation that she may be headed to another network or project. For now, ESPN h
