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After 10 years of calling the shots over ESPN’s controversial morning debate show First Take, Qerim parted ways with the network. It was via a statement issued from the ESPN President for Content, Burke Magnus, which criminal-expert Adam Schefter broke to the world, noting that she declined a contract from ESPN.
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One has to be awake early for a shock yet in store for the news so sudden: Molly Qerim, the moderate custodian that controlled the fiery “First Take” for a decade over ESPN would surely be leaving. One package aired; another era walked away. Officially, it was announced via the statement from ESPN tops, Burke, Magnus, but Adam Schefter made sure to announce it to millions. How did the public react? Well, all over the place, I tell you.
The shock was enormous; one internet user said, “I’ll be honest I didn’t think this was true.” Another cryptically wrote, “Was wondering where she was,” indicating her recent absence from the show. To most regular viewers, Qerim would be the calm in the storm of Stephen A. Smith’s sometimes bombastic outbursts and fights.
A statement from ESPN President, Content, @burkemagnus on @MollyQerim leaving ESPN: pic.twitter.com/LweY3Qy7LN
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 16, 2025
However, not everyone was shedding tears over her exit. The comments seemed to exemplify the great divide concerning how the network and its talent are perceived by the audiences. “No one cares Molly is an annoying ass woman. We don’t want to hear females talk sports.” This comment went against the grain, as others said, “There is literally no point to watching that show now… @MollyQerim was the only good thing about that show.”
The talk of the circumstances of her departure led to wild speculation. It’s a statement made by Magnus of the generalized “wish-you-well” variety that left room for interpretation that made people tired of the painting of her exit. One comment read, “Ruh roh. Incoming lawsuit?”
The discussion turned to how hard it was moderating with the famously loud Stephen A. Smith. “Hell of an effort sitting next to that self-absorbed loud mouth Stephen A for all those years. Hats off,” one fan poured their feelings forth and counted the years of service in her favor. That speaks to the difficulty of leading strong personalities live and on air for hours each day.
That basically merged the topic into an attack on ESPN herself. ESPN just sucks dude, replied one, representing a large portion of audience frustration over where the network was going. Others got nostalgic for past hosts: “Jay Crawford and Cari Champion were the best,” and “I just don’t like her & miss Kay Adams” were two recent retorts.
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What remains clear is that Molly’s departure marks a serious shift on one of ESPN’s flagship shows. After sitting in that chair for ten years, Molly’s departure is a hard-to-fill kind of departure. Now is the time for the network to look for someone that can not only stand the energy of “First Take” but remain successful rating-wise, all while doing a lot of sports TV. Quite frankly, those who are departing are certainly draws; so, eyes are on for her latest moves in the industry.