Stephen A. Smith Breaks Silence on Molly Qerim's First Take Departure
In a candid and emotional revelation, Stephen A. Smith has finally addressed the unexpected exit of Molly Qerim from ESPN's flagship debate show First Take. The longtime host's sudden departure last September after nearly ten years left fans and colleagues stunned, and Smith's recent comments provide the first detailed insight into what truly happened behind the scenes.
Smith Confirms Qerim's Decision Was Personal
Speaking on the Netflix program The White House with Michael Irvin, Smith made it unequivocally clear that the decision for Qerim to leave did not originate from him, despite his role as an executive producer. "Molly decided that she wanted to leave, and she had some issues that I'm not going to discuss. It wasn't with me," Smith stated during the interview. He emphasized that her reasons were personal and private, respecting her boundaries by not delving into specifics.
Emotional Response Highlights Decade-Long Partnership
What stood out most during Smith's disclosure was the palpable emotion in his voice as he reflected on their professional relationship. "When it happened, it was incredibly unfortunate. I loved Molly. I didn't want her to leave," he expressed, revealing the depth of their bond forged over ten years of daily collaboration. Smith described her exit as a significant loss, both personally and for the show's dynamic, underscoring that their working relationship remained strong until the very end.
Qerim's Final Episode and Instagram Announcement
Molly Qerim had been the full-time host of First Take since September 15, 2015. On September 15, 2025, she hosted her final episode before publicly announcing her departure. In a heartfelt message on Instagram, she wrote, "After much reflection, I've decided it's time to close this incredible chapter and step away from First Take." She extended gratitude to viewers, stating that hosting the show had been one of the greatest honors of her broadcasting career.
ESPN's Preparedness and Aftermath
Reports indicate that ESPN was already planning changes to the show's hosting lineup, but Qerim's exit occurred before her contract concluded. ESPN content president Burke Magnus confirmed the network had intended a host change, while Smith admitted he was unaware she was considering leaving so soon. Since her departure, Qerim has transitioned to Paramount+ as part of Zuffa Boxing coverage, while First Take introduced Shae Cornette as her replacement host.
Legacy of a Decade-Long Partnership
Despite the new hosting arrangement, Smith openly acknowledges that he still misses working with Qerim. Their decade-long partnership on First Take set a high standard in sports debate television, making her sudden absence a poignant moment for the show's internal team as much as for its audience. Smith's emotional reflections have given fans a clearer, more intimate understanding of the unexpected shift that reshaped one of ESPN's most popular programs.
