Molly Qerim's Shock ESPN Exit: Stephen A. Smith Reveals Behind-the-Scenes Drama of 'First Take' Departure

When it comes to sports TV shakeups, few saw this one coming. Molly Qerim, the longtime face of ESPN’s First Take, has abruptly resigned from the show and even Stephen A. Smith says he was caught off guard. News of her exit stunned fans across social media, with many convinced there’s more behind the scenes than what’s being said. After nearly a decade steering fiery debates between Smith and his guests, Qerim’s sudden departure has left viewers wondering what really went down.As the face of First Take, Stephen A. Smith usually knows what’s happening behind the scenes but not this time. He admitted he was blindsided by Qerim’s decision and suggested he had no idea she was ready to leave.That only made fans more curious, with many suggesting, “We’re definitely missing something here.” Social media quickly lit up with theories, from creative control disputes to burnout after years in the hot seat.The bombshell broke when Stephen A. Smith revealed on-air that Qerim had “abruptly resigned as the host of the show last night.” The announcement shocked viewers, especially since there was no farewell episode or official lead-up to her exit.Qerim herself later confirmed the move on Instagram but hinted she didn’t love how the news spread, writing that the story came out earlier than she intended and not in the way she had hoped. For fans who have watched her front the show since 2015, the lack of closure only fueled speculation.Behind the abrupt exit, reports suggest contract negotiations were at the heart of the decision. According to the reports, ESPN had offered Qerim a new deal, but she declined. That left the network in a tough spot since executives reportedly wanted her to stay on First Take.Instead of dragging things out, Qerim made her choice quickly, opting to walk away immediately rather than see out the remainder of her contract. While official paperwork points to her exit taking effect at the end of 2025, the abrupt announcement signals her role on-screen is already over.Qerim hasn’t laid out her next move just yet, but her Instagram caption ended with a simple tease: “Stay tuned.” That’s enough to spark guesses that another network could already be in play, or that she may be plotting a brand-new venture outside of ESPN.Also read - “This will be a disaster”: Fans roast Stefon Diggs as Cardi B confirms pregnancy with him