‘I will miss spending every weekday morning with her’ — Stephen A. Smith addresses Molly Qerim’s abrupt exit from ESPN’s ‘First Take’
A heartfelt message from Stephen A. Smith.
On Monday night, Molly Qerim announced that she is leaving ESPN and First Take, which she has hosted since 2015, posting an emotional message on her Instagram story.
And then, at the start of Tuesday’s episode, as expected, the panel was without Qerim. So, Stephen A. Smith kicked things off with an emotional tribute to all she has done for the show.
“Good morning and welcome to First Take. Normally, our friend Molly Qerim would greet you,” Smith said. “However, Molly announced last night she will be departing from ESPN. She’s hosted First Take for 10 years and elevated the show with her grace, her expertise and her incomparable kindness.”
“Not only did she keep me and many others in line. she did it with dignity and class and kindness, to say the least,” he added. “We’ll miss her and wish her every blessing on her future. I personally am grateful to her for her friendship and I will miss spending every weekday morning with her right by my side.”
ESPN President Burke Magnus also released a statement following the news.
“Molly has been an integral part of ESPN since 2006 and a key driver of First Take’s success since joining as host a decade ago. She elevated the show with her poise, skill and professionalism, while supporting others as a kind and encouraging teammate. We respect Molly’s decision, wish her the best in the future, and thank her for her extrodinary daily commitment to sports fans and ESPN,” Magnus said (via ESPN’s Adam Schefter).
Molly Qerim was initially set to leave ‘First Take’ at the end of the year
It was previously reported that Molly Qerim was going to leave at the end of the year, but her departure has come sooner than expected.
“Now that the news came out earlier than I intended, and not in the way I hoped… To my First Take family, After much reflection, I’ve decided it’s time to close this incredible chapter and step away from First Take. 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,” she wrote on Instagram.
“I’m so grateful for what this journey has given me: lifelong friendships, unforgettable memories, and the chance to be part of some4thing truly special,” Qerim continues. “From the bottom of my heart, thank you for welcoming me into your homes.”
And with that, she teased what’s next, writing, “stay tuned :)”
