Molly Qerim is leaving ESPN's "First Take" primarily due to contract-related issues. Reports indicate that ESPN offered her a contract extension, but she declined it, leading to her unexpected and immediate departure. While Qerim expressed gratitude for her time on the show and the relationships she built, she did not publicly disclose specific reasons beyond deciding it was time to close that chapter of her career. Her exit happened sooner than she planned and not in the manner she hoped, suggesting some behind-the-scenes tensions or a deteriorating relationship with the network during contract negotiations. Stephen A. Smith, her longtime co-host, confirmed the decision was hers despite ESPN not wanting to lose her and spoke highly of her contributions and character.
