Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim Spark More Dating Rumors After Awkward “First Take” Exchange Goes Viral

If you thought the rumors about Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim dating were slowing down, think again. The “First Take” co-hosts found themselves at the center of social media speculation once more after a live, unscripted moment that left viewers stunned—and convinced there’s more to their relationship than just TV banter.

It all went down during Thursday’s episode of ESPN’s flagship debate show, as Smith, Damien Woody, and Kimberly Martin were making their NFC picks for the upcoming NFL season. While Woody and Martin confidently chose the Eagles, Stephen A. seemed a bit indecisive, explaining he had “trepidation” about his choice. Molly, ever the sharp moderator, thanked him sarcastically for “educating us on TV”—a playful jab at his vocabulary.

But things took a turn when Molly pressed Stephen A. for his pick, and he deflected with a quip about how good he looked, adding, “It just shows the hatred because you [Qerim] won’t give me love.” Molly, clearly trying to keep the show on track, asked him to stop talking and tried to pivot to a question about his pocket square.

That’s when Stephen A. upped the ante, teasing, “If you tell me to stop talking one more time, I’m gonna wait till you pick up the phone to call me and watch what I do, as much as you talk. It’s gonna be aight.”

Molly attempted to clarify, saying sometimes she has to call him about urgent show matters. But Stephen A. wasn’t letting it go, hinting that her calls aren’t always about business, and that she sometimes calls “just to vent.”

The moment was awkward, unscripted, and instantly viral. Social media, as expected, went wild. Tweets like “They are deff smashing” and “Really smooth, Stephen A.” popped up within minutes, with fans dissecting every word and look exchanged between the two.

For those who’ve followed the pair’s on-air chemistry, this was just more fuel for the fire. Their playful bickering and suggestive jokes have long been a staple of “First Take,” but this latest exchange—especially Smith’s revelation about private calls—has viewers more convinced than ever that something is going on behind the scenes.

Neither Smith nor Qerim has addressed the rumors publicly, but if Thursday’s show proved anything, it’s that their dynamic is keeping everyone talking—on and off the air. Whether it’s just friendly banter or something more, the world will be watching (and tweeting) to see what happens next.

Social media was quick to make their assumptions about the pair:

Really smooth, Stephen A.