The Ugly Truth Behind Molly Qerim’s Sudden ESPN Departure

Molly Qerim announced her sudden departure from ESPN on Tuesday morning, September 16. The longtime “First Take” host did not get to announce the news the way she wanted to. It was broken by Sports Business Journal on Monday evening and confirmed by ESPN on Tuesday morning.

“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,” she wrote on her Instagram Story.

“I’m so grateful for what this journey has given me: lifelong friendships, unforgettable memories, and the chance to be part of something truly special.”

Qerim admitted in her statement that this wasn’t how she wanted the news to leak, but it got out.

“Molly has been an integral part of ESPN since 2006 and a key driver of ‘First Take’ success since joining as host a decade ago. She elevated the show with her poise, skill and professionalism, while supporting others as a kind and encouraging teammate. We respect Molly’s decision, wish her the best in the future, and thank her for her extraordinary daily commitment to sports fans and ESPN,” ESPN president Burke Magnus said in a statement.

The Sports Business Journal initially reported on Monday evening that Qerim would be leaving at the end of the year.

However, Qerim was not on “First Take” on Tuesday morning and her longtime co-host, Stephen A. Smith, made it seem like she was gone for good.

“Good morning and welcome to First Take. Normally, our friend Molly Qerim would greet you,” Smith said.

“However, Molly announced last night she will be departing from ESPN. She’s hosted First Take for 10 years and elevated the show with her grace, her expertise and her incomparable kindness.”

Smith made it clear that he will miss her greatly.

“Not only did she keep me and many others in line. she did it with dignity and 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 and I will miss spending every weekday morning with her right by my side.”

What happened behind the scenes?

Qerim’s sudden departure from ESPN is suspicious, to say the least. Multiple sports media insiders have noted that the original reports suggested that she would be leaving at the end of 2025, but now, it seems like she is gone for good.

Typically, when a sudden departure happens in sports media, it’s due to a contract negotiation gone wrong.

“Interesting. Report states Qerim is leaving at the end of the year, but she’s not on today’s show and Stephen A. Smith just gave a little speech as if she’s gone asap,” Sports Illustrated’s Jimmy Traina noted.

Ben Koo of Awful Announcing added that this has all the signs of a relationship gone south.

“Conjecture- Leaving with months left on a contract, during football season, and after doing a Monday show. No sendoff episode. She’ll have to stay quiet to keep getting paid through end of the year, but this certainly has a lot of smoke that the relationship went south,” he wrote.

Fans of Qerim and “First Take” are wondering what really happened, too.

“Her Instagram story didn’t specify end of year and said she’s leaving the show but did say the news got out earlier than she wanted it to. This is weird,” one fan wrote.

“Very very odd how is this is playing out and how they wouldn’t give her a proper send off , feels like an immediate change of host . Even the opening by SA felt a little awkward,” one fan added.

“I’m betting that she’s moving to another network… Maybe Fox… So they pulled her off the air immediately,” another fan suggested.

ESPN’s ‘First Take’ broadcasts live from Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium with host Molly Qerim ahead of The Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic 2022. Friday, September 02, 2022.

Qerim, 41, is already hinting at her next move, too.

“Stay tuned,” she wrote on her Instagram Story on Tuesday morning.