Full Breakdown
Molly Qerim's Departure from ESPN's "First Take": An Inside Look
2/14/2026, 3:57:42 AM
Overview of the Departure
Molly Qerim's abrupt resignation from ESPN's "First Take" in September 2025 has garnered significant attention, particularly following Stephen A. Smith's recent comments on the Netflix show "The White House with Michael Irvin." Smith, who served as Qerim's co-host for a decade, clarified that her departure was not a decision he made, but rather one stemming from issues that Qerim faced personally. He emphasized that the decision was made by higher management at ESPN, stating, “Molly decided that she wanted to leave, and she had some issues that I’m not going to discuss.”
Context of the Resignation
Qerim had been with ESPN since 2006 and became the host of "First Take" in 2015. Her resignation came shortly after she hosted the show on September 15, with her absence noted the following day. ESPN president of content Burke Magnus indicated that the network had already planned to make changes to Qerim's position by the end of the year, regardless of her contract negotiations. This context suggests that Qerim's decision to resign may have been influenced by the impending changes to her role.
Replacement and Transition
Following Qerim's exit, ESPN replaced her with Shae Cornette, who had been with the network since 2019 and had previously filled in for Qerim. Smith acknowledged Cornette's capabilities, stating she is “the real deal” and has been doing an outstanding job. However, he also expressed his personal sentiment, noting, “I definitely miss Molly, as do a lot of us, because we’re friends, and she was great.”
Official Statements & Responses
In his remarks, Smith conveyed his respect for Qerim's contributions to "First Take," highlighting her role in the show's success over the years. He stated, “You look at the contribution that she made to the show... she made an incredible contribution to the success of the show.” Despite this, he refrained from disclosing the specific issues that led to Qerim's resignation, maintaining that such details were private.
Criticism & Opposition
Smith's explanation has raised questions among fans and critics alike. Some have questioned why he did not advocate more strongly for Qerim's retention if he valued her contributions as he claims. Others have pointed out the ambiguity surrounding the reasons for her departure, particularly regarding the “issues” Qerim faced. Critics argue that the lack of transparency leaves many unanswered questions about the circumstances of her exit.
What's Next for Qerim
Since leaving ESPN, Qerim has transitioned to hosting Zuffa Boxing events on Paramount+, marking a new chapter in her career. Her first public appearance post-ESPN included moderating a Q&A session at the University of Connecticut, indicating her continued engagement in the sports industry.
Conclusion
Molly Qerim's departure from "First Take" highlights the complexities of network decisions and personal choices within the sports media landscape. While Stephen A. Smith has expressed his admiration for Qerim and her impact on the show, the circumstances surrounding her exit remain a topic of discussion among fans and industry observers.
