Stephen A. Smith Reveals Ex-ESPN Star Wasted No Time Trying To Swoop In & Snatch Molly Qerim’s ‘First Take’ Job
Smith’s claim started a surprising on-air disagreement
Stephen A. Smith dropped an interesting detail about the search for Molly Qerim’s replacement on ESPN’s First Take.
According to Smith, former ESPN host Cari Champion reached out wanting the gig after Qerim announced she was walking away last September. Champion, though, wasted no time firing back and denying that was how it actually went down.
Qerim surprised many sports fans when she decided to leave First Take after more than a decade as the show’s host. During her time in the program, she worked alongside top personalities, including Skip Bayless, Shannon Sharpe, and Smith.
In her farewell message, Qerim thanked the people who helped shape her time on the show.
“After much reflection, I’ve decided it’s time to close this incredible chapter and step away from First Take,” Qerim said. “Hosting this show has been one of the greatest honors of my career.”
She also thanked viewers and said the show gave her lifelong friendships and unforgettable memories.
Cari Champion Pushes Back On Stephen A. Smith’s Claim
Cari Champion (Photo Via Instagram)
The conversation about Qerim’s former job came up during an appearance on Flagrant and Funny this week.
Smith said Cari Champion, who spent eight years at ESPN, contacted him about the opening at First Take. But Champion immediately challenged his claim.
“Where and when? Please tell me. How did I reach out?” Champion said. “Stephen A., do you have a receipt?”
According to Stephen A Smith Cari Champion reached out to him immediately after Molly Qerim resigned and said-
“We need to talk, I need to be back in that seat”
Cari and Jemele Hill then break out in laughter
(🎥Flagrant and Funny/Youtube) pic.twitter.com/D5HLatplJO
— The Art Of Dialogue (@ArtOfDialogue_) September 4, 2026
Smith then doubled down and recalled what he believed Champion told him.
“We need to talk, I need to be back in that seat. Did you not say that?” Smith responded.
Champion denied the claim again before the conversation moved on.
Champion’s denial created a light but notable disagreement between two former ESPN colleagues. Smith clearly remembered the conversation differently than Champion did.
In the end, ESPN did not give the job to Champion. The network chose former SportsCenter anchor Shae Peppler Cornette to replace Qerim.
ESPN executive David Roberts praised Cornette after the network announced her hiring.
“Shae is meticulous in her preparation, connects naturally with our show’s high-profile personalities, and has a unique ability to keep lively debate engaging and on point,” Roberts said.
Cornette has since taken over the hosting role and now leads the discussions on one of ESPN’s biggest debate shows.
