Molly Qerim’s upcoming exit from ESPN has created a lot of talks in the media circle, and now First Take co-host Stephen A. Smith has hinted that a particular reason may be behind her sudden departure.

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The 41-year-old host’s departure hit fans hard, and even Smith admitted he didn’t see it coming. ESPN confirmed the move Tuesday, just a day after reports first surfaced. The show continued without her, but the absence left a noticeable hole.

Smith expressed about how much the decision hurt him. “To say that I’m quite sad about it is an understatement,” he said.

He added, “Molly is a friend. Molly is a co-worker. Molly is somebody that I’ve leaned on on many occasions in the past, as she has done when it comes to me. We’ve been partners on the show for the last 10 years, and a lot of times some of these things happen, and it’s just uncomfortable to see.”

Molly Qerim’s Contract Fight, A Hint, And A Shock

Molly Qerim (Photo By Instagram/@mollyqerim)
Smith made it clear he wasn’t about to spill all the details. Still, he dropped enough to hint at what pushed Qerim out. “It was a contract negotiation that was going on,” Smith explained. “ESPN certainly did not want to lose her. But in the end, she made her decision to walk away from the show effective immediately.”

The timing of her final day remains unclear. Reports pointed to the end of 2025, but Smith told viewers Qerim was already gone. The contradiction only fueled more questions. On her end, Qerim kept it short, posting a simple “Stay tuned” on social media. That line sparked speculation she could be headed to another network.

Smith, meanwhile, made it clear the choice caught him off guard. “To be blunt, it came as a shock,” he admitted. “I was not aware that this is something that she was contemplating doing.”

Smith spoke the truth about his feelings, saying, “I don’t like it. I’m not happy about it because I appreciate her and what she has meant to me, and what she has meant to the show, and what she has meant to the business. And I’m going to miss her. It’s just that simple”

As ESPN deals with Qerim’s exit, the network tried to soften the blow by locking in Malika Andrews with a new multi-year deal. The timing of that announcement has only added to the hype, especially since it came right after one of the show’s prime personality decided to step away.