Stephen A. Smith expressed that he misses former co-host Molly Qerim following her abrupt departure from ESPN’s First Take in September 2025, after a decade together on the morning debate show via Awful Announcing.
In a recent appearance on the Netflix program The White House with Michael Irvin, Smith opened up about Qerim’s exit, describing it as “incredibly unfortunate” and emphasizing his personal affection for her.
“Molly decided that she wanted to leave, and she had some issues that I’m not going to discuss,” Smith said. “It wasn’t with me, but she had some issues that was foremost on her mind and she made the decision to abruptly resign.”
Smith, who serves as executive producer of First Take in addition to his on-air role, stressed that the move to transition Qerim off the program originated from higher-level decisions at ESPN. He noted he lacked final authority on the matter.
“I loved Molly. I didn’t want her to leave,” Smith added. “Listen, I think Shae Cornette is doing an outstanding job for us. She knows her sports backwards and forwards. She is the real deal. But on a personal level, I definitely miss Molly, as do a lot of us, because we’re friends, and she was great.”
Qerim, who began as a fill-in host in 2015 before becoming the permanent moderator on Sept. 15, 2015, had served as the show’s steady presence, often described as the “traffic cop” who managed the high-energy debates between Smith and various analysts. Her tenure coincided with First Take maintaining its position as a top-rated program.
The departure came amid contract negotiations, with ESPN having decided to move in a different direction by the end of 2025 regardless of renewal terms. Qerim chose to resign immediately rather than continue through the remainder of her deal. She announced her exit on social media, calling it time to “close this incredible chapter.”
All love for Molly Qerim on The White House pod
Stephen A. Smith joins Michael Irvin and Brandon Marshall in a brand new episode of The White House with Michael Irvin, now on Netflix. pic.twitter.com/GJHBSSzqi1
— Netflix Sports (@netflixsports) February 13, 2026
ESPN auditioned replacements over 30-45 days before naming Shae Cornette as Qerim’s successor in mid-October 2025.
Smith acknowledged Qerim’s significant contributions to the show’s success and the relationships she built.
“You look at the contribution that she made to the show, the relationships that she cultivated, and what have you… we’re No. 1 all of these years; she was hosting when we were No. 1 all of those years,” he said. “So, she made an incredible contribution to the success of the show.”
Since leaving ESPN, Qerim has moved on to new opportunities, including hosting Zuffa Boxing events on Paramount+ alongside Max Kellerman, her first major television role post-ESPN as of January 2026.
Smith’s comments highlight the personal side of the professional change, underscoring a friendship forged over years of daily collaboration while respecting the business realities that ultimately led to the split.
Flip the pages for Molly’s hot shots.
