Molly Qerim did not appear on ESPN’s First Take on Tuesday, a day after she announced she would be leaving the network. Stephen A. Smith, who is hosting the program for the remainder of the week, opened the episode with a public tribute to Qerim and acknowledged her contribution to the show.
“Normally, our friend Molly Qerim would greet you. However, Molly announced last night she will be departing from ESPN,” Smith said as he began Tuesday’s show. “She’s hosted First Take for 10 years and elevated the show with her grace, her expertise and incomparable kindness. She’s been an enormous part of our success for a decade. Not only did she keep me and many others in line, she did it with dignity, class and kindness, to say the least. We’ll miss her and wish her every blessing on her future. I personally am grateful to her for her friendship. I will miss spending every weekday morning with her right by my side.”
Marcus Spears and Chris Canty joined Smith on Tuesday’s episode. Sports Business Journal reported that ESPN had offered Qerim a new contract, but that she decided to move on. The publication said Qerim had intended to leave at the end of the year, though her absence on Tuesday raised questions about the timeline.
Qerim announced her decision on Monday via an Instagram Story, writing in part, “After much reflection, I’ve decided it’s time to close this incredible chapter and step away from First Take. Hosting this show has been one of the greatest honors of my career. Every morning, I had the privilege of sharing the desk with some of the most brilliant, passionate, and entertaining voices in sports — and with all of you, the best fans in the world.”
Qerim has been a prominent presence on the morning debate program for a decade, serving as a moderator and anchor who balanced outspoken personalities and helped steer discussions on sports and culture. Smith’s remarks underscored her role in shaping the show’s tone and sustaining its format over the years.
ESPN had not issued a detailed statement about Qerim’s departure or the logistics of her exit as of Tuesday morning. Smith said he would host First Take through the week while the show continued its regular lineup of commentators.
Tuesday’s developments add to a recent wave of personnel movement and contract negotiations across sports media, but official details about Qerim’s next steps or a firm departure date were not available from the network or Qerim beyond her Instagram message. The network’s programming and staffing decisions, including any successor plans for the First Take desk, have not been announced.
