Stephen Smith & Molly Qerim Didn’t Know They Were Filmed Doing This...

Molly Qerim, a name synonymous with professionalism, poise, and charm on ESPN’s “First Take,” sent shockwaves through the sports media world when she announced her sudden resignation from the network after a decade-long tenure.

The announcement came out of nowhere, leaving fans, colleagues, and even her co-host, the outspoken Stephen A. Smith, reeling in disbelief.

What followed was an emotional reckoning, a flurry of speculation, and a closer look at the hidden dynamics of one of sports television’s most successful shows.

The drama began on a seemingly ordinary Monday morning in September 2025.

Molly hosted “First Take” as she had done thousands of times before, expertly moderating heated debates, managing the larger-than-life personalities of her co-hosts, and delivering her signature polished performance.

But just hours later, she took to Instagram to announce her departure from ESPN in a heartfelt yet enigmatic post.

She thanked her colleagues and fans for an incredible decade but admitted that the announcement had come earlier than she intended, hinting at a leak that forced her hand.

Indeed, the Sports Business Journal had reported on her impending departure before Molly could control the narrative herself.

The leak turned what was supposed to be a carefully planned farewell into a rushed and chaotic exit.

Fans who had tuned in that very morning to watch her moderate had no idea it would be her last appearance on the show that had become her professional hallmark.

ESPN’s president of content, Burke Magnus, quickly issued a statement praising Molly’s contributions to the network and her role in elevating “First Take” to its current heights.

However, the statement was carefully worded, revealing little about the actual circumstances behind her departure.

The next day, viewers were met with an unusually somber Stephen A. Smith, sitting alone at the desk where Molly once presided, delivering an emotional tribute to his longtime co-host.

Visibly shaken, Smith called her his “work wife” and credited her with keeping him in line and helping the show achieve its immense success.

But the tribute raised more questions than answers.

Later that day, on his SiriusXM radio show, Smith revealed that Molly’s departure was not a planned or smooth transition.

He described her decision as “abrupt” and admitted to being blindsided.

While he confirmed that contract negotiations had been ongoing, he stopped short of providing specific details, saying only that ESPN had tried to retain her but failed to meet her terms.

His cryptic comments—“Do I have an idea? Of course I do. Am I going to share it? No, because that’s her story to tell”—only fueled speculation about the true reasons behind her exit.

Social media exploded with theories, from pay inequities to creative differences to personal conflicts between Molly and Stephen A. Smith.

Reports soon emerged suggesting that Molly had been seeking a salary increase to better reflect her contributions to the show.

Despite being a central figure in “First Take’s” success, her reported annual salary of $1-1.5 million was a fraction of Smith’s $10+ million contract.

The stark pay disparity highlighted broader issues of equity in sports media, particularly for women in male-dominated spaces.

Former ESPN analyst Marcellus Wiley weighed in, arguing that Molly’s departure was about more than just money.

He suggested it was also about respect and recognition.

According to Wiley, Molly deserved compensation and opportunities comparable to other top ESPN talents like Mina Kimes and Malika Andrews.

Wiley’s comments added fuel to the fire, as fans debated whether Molly had been undervalued despite her pivotal role in the show’s success.

The dynamics between Molly and Stephen A. Smith also came under scrutiny.

While Smith publicly expressed sadness and admiration for Molly, some insiders speculated that she had hoped he would advocate for her during contract negotiations.

His massive contract and influence within ESPN may have inadvertently contributed to her feeling overlooked.

Adding to the intrigue, Molly’s own farewell statement made no mention of Smith, a stark contrast to his emotional tribute.

The timing of Molly’s departure further complicated matters.

Her contract was set to expire at the end of 2025, but the premature leak of her exit forced her to leave immediately.

This robbed fans of a proper on-air farewell and left the show scrambling to find a replacement.

ESPN announced a 30-45 day audition process to fill her role, but the search quickly turned into its own drama.

Reports surfaced that Stephen A. Smith had veto power over potential candidates, with sources claiming he rejected Joy Taylor, a strong candidate with a proven track record at FS1.

The audition process became a spectacle, with guest hosts analyzed and critiqued by fans and media alike.

Early ratings showed a dip in viewership, underscoring just how integral Molly had been to the show’s chemistry and success.

Meanwhile, rumors swirled about Molly’s next move.

Some speculated she might join Fox Sports or a streaming platform like Amazon Prime Video, where she could potentially take on a lead role rather than a moderating position.

As the dust settled, Molly’s departure sparked broader conversations about the challenges faced by women in sports media.

The significant pay gap between her and Smith highlighted systemic issues of inequity, while the abrupt nature of her exit raised questions about how networks value their talent.

Molly’s situation served as a reminder that even the most successful careers in sports media are not immune to the pressures of contract negotiations, power dynamics, and shifting industry priorities.

For fans of “First Take,” Molly’s absence has been palpable.

The rotating guest hosts have yet to replicate the effortless chemistry she brought to the show.

As viewers continue to watch the show evolve without her, they’re gaining a newfound appreciation for the steady hand and professionalism she brought to the table.

As for Molly, her future remains uncertain but undoubtedly bright.

Whether she chooses to join a rival network, explore new opportunities in streaming, or pursue entirely different ventures, one thing is clear: her story is far from over.

For now, all we can do is speculate, reflect, and wait to see what Molly Qerim does next.