Molly Qerim has officially left ESPN after ten years as the host of First Take, citing dissatisfaction with her contract renewal and reflecting on her decade-long career with gratitude.

In a surprising shake-up at ESPN, longtime First Take host Molly Qerim has officially stepped away from the network, ending a decade-long tenure as the show’s moderator alongside Stephen A. Smith.

The departure comes amid reports that Qerim turned down a contract renewal offer from ESPN, a decision she confirmed in a statement released via her social media channels earlier this week.

Qerim expressed gratitude for her time on the network, calling it “one of the greatest honors” of her career and highlighting the lifelong friendships, unforgettable memories, and opportunity to connect with fans as career highlights.

The announcement had been expected to remain under wraps until Qerim herself could share it on her own terms, but the news broke prematurely, prompting both public and private reactions from those close to the situation.

Qerim’s statement read in part: “Now that the news came out earlier than I intended and not in the way I hoped to my First Take family, after much reflection, I’ve decided it’s time to close this incredible chapter and step away from First Take.

Hosting the show has been one of the greatest honors of my career. Every morning I had the privilege of sharing a desk with some of the most brilliant, passionate, and entertaining voices in sports and with all of you, the best fans in the world.

I’m so grateful for what this journey has given me. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for welcoming me into your homes. Stay tuned with love and gratitude, Molly.”

The decision reportedly stemmed from Qerim’s dissatisfaction with the contract terms offered by ESPN, as insiders indicate tensions may have grown during negotiations between her and the network.

Sources suggest that Qerim had reservations regarding changes to her role on First Take and the dynamic between her and Smith, who reportedly took a high-profile contract from ESPN that some colleagues viewed as controversial.

There were rumors that Qerim may have disagreed with certain on-air or behind-the-scenes decisions, contributing to a perceived strain in her professional relationship with Smith.

Stephen A. Smith himself responded publicly to Qerim’s departure, emphasizing his personal respect for her contributions while remaining tight-lipped about specifics.

In a video statement, Smith said: “Miss Molly Qerim, longtime host for ESPN’s First Take, my day job, where she has been the last 10 years… last night, she abruptly resigned as the host of the show. To say that I’m quite sad about it is an understatement.

Molly is a coworker. Molly is somebody that I have 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. A lot of times, some of these things happen and it’s just uncomfortable to see.

The details, quite frankly, are none of y’all’s business. It was a contract negotiation that was going on. ESPN certainly did not want to lose her, but in the end, she made a decision.”

Insiders point to several instances that may have contributed to the tension between the longtime co-hosts. On one notable occasion, Qerim attempted to assist Smith with a potentially embarrassing situation involving personal texts and laptop exposure during a live broadcast.

Observers recall Qerim intervening to help manage the issue, but Smith appeared dismissive of her efforts, indicating friction that extended beyond contractual disagreements.

Analysts have suggested that these behind-the-scenes moments revealed subtle strains in the partnership, though both parties have maintained professional decorum in public statements.

Qerim’s departure has sparked widespread speculation about the future of First Take, one of ESPN’s highest-profile morning sports programs. Fans and critics alike have weighed in on social media, debating who could potentially replace her in the moderator role.

Given her decade-long presence and established rapport with Smith, many viewers have expressed that her absence marks the end of an era for the show, which has long been a staple for sports commentary and debate on national television.

The context of her exit also shines a light on broader conversations within ESPN regarding contract negotiations, gender dynamics in sports media, and the balance of creative influence among on-air talent.

Qerim has been recognized for her sharp commentary, poise on live broadcasts, and ability to facilitate discussion between high-profile athletes and analysts.

Her departure underscores the challenges media personalities face when negotiating terms that align with both their professional value and personal expectations, particularly in high-pressure live broadcast environments.

Colleagues have lauded Qerim’s professionalism and contributions to the network.

Over the past decade, she has moderated thousands of episodes of First Take, overseeing debates on topics ranging from NBA and NFL controversies to college sports and international competitions.

Her ability to guide heated discussions, while maintaining a level of authority and fairness, has been cited as a key factor in the program’s longevity and popularity.

While Smith acknowledged the departure with a tone of respect and gratitude, the public exchange has highlighted the complexities of workplace dynamics at top-tier sports networks.

Smith’s statement, coupled with Qerim’s own reflections, points to a mutual understanding of the situation without delving into personal disagreements.

This measured approach has been seen as an effort to maintain professional reputations while allowing Qerim to leave on her own terms.

As ESPN prepares for the next chapter of First Take, industry observers anticipate a period of transition that could include the introduction of new on-air talent and potential shifts in show format.

Given Qerim’s influence and the visibility of the program, her departure is expected to reverberate through both ESPN’s internal culture and its audience engagement metrics.

Viewers will be watching closely to see how the network replaces one of its most recognizable faces, and how the dynamic with Stephen A. Smith evolves in her absence.

Molly Qerim’s exit is not merely a personnel change; it reflects larger industry trends about contract negotiations, career longevity, and the delicate balance of personal and professional relationships in high-profile media settings.

With a career defined by dedication, sharp insight, and a decade of service on one of the country’s leading sports talk shows, Qerim leaves ESPN with her reputation intact and a legacy that will be remembered by colleagues and fans alike.

As the dust settles, speculation continues about her next professional move, with some insiders suggesting that other major networks could pursue Qerim for new roles in sports media, digital content, or live broadcasting.

For now, ESPN and First Take face the challenge of maintaining audience engagement while navigating the departure of a pivotal figure in the show’s history, marking the end of an influential chapter in American sports broadcasting.