ESPN’s Molly Qerim has resigned from First Take after nearly a decade as host.
Sports Business Journal first broke the news on Sept. 15, and co-host Stephen A. Smith later confirmed, saying, “Last night, she abruptly resigned as the host of the show” before adding, “The details, quite frankly, are none of y’all business.”
Videos by PopCulture.com
“Last night she abruptly resigned as the host of the show” 😳 pic.twitter.com/jPl9fQddQH https://t.co/eDBRBTNCV7
— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) September 16, 2025
Smith hinted that her decision was due to contract negotiations with ESPN and noted that the network “certainly did not want to lose her. But in the end, she made the decision to walk away from the show.”
Molly Qerim Breaks Her Silence
Molly Qerim shared a message with fans on her Instagram stories admitting that news of her departure broke earlier than she’d intended and not in the way she’d intended.
“After much reflection, I’ve decided it’s time to close this incredible chapter and step away from First Take,” she wrote. “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.”
“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,” she continued. “From the bottom of my heart, thank you for welcoming me into your homes.”
Qerim closed her message with “stay tuned.”
While original reports said Molly Qerim was leaving First Take at the beginning of the year, she was absent from Tuesday’s show, and it’s unclear if she will return.
Most Viewed
-
(Credit: NetPix / Getty Images) -
BRENTWOOD, CA – JUNE 03: Actor Eric Dane and actress Rebecca Gayheart attend the 16th annual Chrysalis Butterfly Ball on June 3, 2017 in Brentwood, California. (Photo by Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic) -
(Credit: Getty Images) -
Antique TV set with color bars, on black background. 3D rendering -
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – FEBRUARY 26: Drag Icon Maxi Shield poses against the cycle way construction site (along Mardi Gras parade route on Oxford ) on February 26, 2025 in Sydney, Australia. The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade will return to Oxford Street for the 47th time. The parade began in 1978 as a march to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall Riots in New York and has been held every year since to promote awareness of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered issues. (Photo by Don Arnold/WireImage) -
Colorful retro TV set in a flat design style (Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto/bubble86) -
NEW YORK – MARCH 16: Actor Peter Greene attends the premiere of "The Bounty Hunter" at the Ziegfeld Theatre on March 16, 2010 in New York, New York City. (Photo by Jim Spellman/WireImage)
