Back in December, former NBA star and ESPN analyst Jalen Rose announced that he and “First Take” co-host Molly Qerim have filed for divorce. The couple had been married for three years.

“After being separated for almost a year, Molly and I have officially decided to go our separate ways,” Rose wrote on his Instagram story. “We both agree remaining friends and colleagues is the best course of action for our relationship going forward. Please respect our privacy at this time.”

The ESPN personality is now speaking out about that divorce and the rumors that came out from it.

In a GQ interview published Wednesday, Rose said he and Qerim mutually ended their three-year marriage and it had nothing to with unfounded rumors that she had a separate relationship with Stephen A. Smith, her co-host on ESPN’s “First Take.”

“In my personal relationship, it was laughable to me, to see [Molly Qerim] and I mutually part ways, be in accord about why we’re parting ways, and still see people speculating on why. Not only speculating — in particular saying it was because her and Stephen A. Smith had a relationship,” said Rose, who admitted the speculation “bothered” him.

“And… And, like, unequivocally, I’m not here to speak for what he does in his personal life or what she does in her personal life, I got love for both of them. We still 100. I would just say that for people who thought we parted ways because they have a relationship? Then I got some swampland in Detroit to sell you for top dollar. That is not why we split.

“I still see that, by the way. I might say something about someone’s team and I’ll see, ‘That’s why Molly left him!’ or ‘That’s why Stephen A. kickin’ it wit’ yo ex-wife!’ That’s not true. But, when it happened, it’s two ways for me to handle it as a professional: I work with him, I got love for him, and that’s my brother. I got love for her, we were friends before we were married, we just didn’t work as a couple. I just saw her today. We cool! But for me to see the speculation and for people to assume that was why, it bothered me.”

Rose then explained why he remained silent about his divorce throughout the speculation about his relationship.

“It was trending [online], [Smith] was trending, [Qerim] was trending, I was trending. It was a real thing,” Rose said. “And, like, am I about to respond to that? It gave me a real fork in the road. But I didn’t, because I knew it wasn’t true. I would just be fueling those people. Not responding, and finally sprinkling some here and there, it made people who ran with it look less credible. We discussed it. It’s why none of us said anything. People would say, ‘Jalen’s a sucker, Stephen A. snatched his wife and he up there workin’ with him,’ or ‘Look, at Molly, she was talkin’ to Jalen yesterday now she kickin it with…’ That ain’t happen. We all looked at it like: it was such a reach. That’s why none of us have spoken on it.”

Rose and Qerim first went public with their relationship in June 2016 and tied the knot in July 2018.

All About the NCIS Spinoff Tony & Ziva , Including One Detail That Calls Back to the Early Tiva Days

What’s the Buzz About the New Tony & Ziva Spinoff?

If you’ve been part of the NCIS fandom for more than a hot minute, you already know that Tony DiNozzo and Ziva David—affectionately known as Tiva—were the heart and soul of the show for years. And now? They’re back with their own spinoff. Yep, it’s real, and it’s happening. Fans have waited over a decade for closure, and this spinoff promises not just that but so much more.

A Quick Refresher: Who Are Tony and Ziva?

Before we dive into the juicy spinoff details, let’s hit rewind for a sec. Tony DiNozzo (Michael Weatherly) was the charming, wise-cracking NCIS Special Agent. Ziva David (Cote de Pablo) was the badass Mossad operative turned NCIS agent. Their chemistry? Off the charts. For years, fans watched as the two danced around their feelings, forming one of TV’s most slow-burn, emotionally charged romances.

Why Did They Leave NCIS in the First Place?

Both characters exited the original show years ago. Ziva was presumed dead, and Tony left the agency to raise their daughter, Tali. It wasn’t until seasons later that Ziva returned—very much alive—and fans got a glimmer of hope for a proper reunion. But it never quite happened… until now.

The NCIS Spinoff: A Long-Awaited Love Letter to Tiva Fans

What’s the Title of the Spinoff?

The show’s working title is NCIS: Europe (subject to change), and it’s more than just a crime drama. It’s an emotional, globe-trotting journey that picks up with Tony and Ziva raising Tali while running a private security firm. Think: crime-solving meets co-parenting with some unresolved romantic tension on the side.

Who’s Behind the Series?

Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo are not just reprising their roles—they’re also executive producers. That means they’re hands-on with the storytelling. This isn’t just fan service—it’s fan respect.

Where and When Will the Show Air?

CBS Studios has confirmed that the spinoff will stream exclusively on Paramount+. As of now, filming is expected to begin later this year, with a release window likely in early-to-mid 2026. Yep, it’s still a bit of a wait, but judging by the buzz? Totally worth it.

What Makes This Spinoff Different from Other NCIS Series?

Unlike traditional NCIS shows that stick closely to U.S.-based military crimes, this spinoff stretches across Europe. Expect international espionage, fast-paced action, and intimate character moments. It’s a spy thriller and a family drama all rolled into one.

Ziva and Tony’s Relationship: Where Do They Stand?

The show picks up with the pair co-parenting Tali, but not necessarily as a couple. There’s love there—clearly—but also a ton of unresolved tension. Expect some fireworks, both emotional and literal.

One Heartwarming Throwback to Early Tiva Days

Now, let’s talk about that one subtle detail that’s got old-school fans absolutely freaking out: Tony still carries Ziva’s Star of David pendant. In one behind-the-scenes tease, Weatherly was spotted wearing it under his shirt. For longtime fans, this tiny symbol carries huge weight—it’s the same necklace Ziva wore during her early NCIS days, symbolizing faith, identity, and connection. The fact that Tony now wears it? Chills.

Character Evolution: Tiva Then vs. Now

 Ziva’s Transformation

Once the stone-cold assassin with a heart guarded by barbed wire, Ziva is now a mother, a businesswoman, and a protector. She still kicks ass, but with a new layer of vulnerability.

 Tony’s Growth

Tony has always been the joker, but being a dad and losing Ziva changed him. He’s more introspective, thoughtful, but still that same lovable rogue underneath.

Tali DiNozzo: More Than Just Their Daughter

Meet Tali

The spinoff finally gives Tali the screen time she deserves. Now a pre-teen, she’s witty, sharp, and already showing signs of being both her parents’ child. Expect moments of levity, heart, and a few “chip-off-the-old-block” lines that’ll make you smile.

New Characters, New Dynamics

The show will also introduce a new supporting cast:

A tech genius who’s way too into Tony’s movie references

A mysterious Mossad contact from Ziva’s past

And a rival security firm with secrets of its own

Easter Eggs and Callbacks Galore

Fans can expect more than just the pendant callback. Showrunners have hinted at throwbacks like:

An updated version of Tony’s movie lists

Old NCIS photos on Ziva’s desk

Mentions of Abby, McGee, and even Gibbs (sigh, we miss you, boss)

Will Other NCIS Cast Members Appear?

There’s buzz—but nothing confirmed—about possible cameos. Rumors swirl around McGee making an appearance, and fans are hoping for a surprise visit from Gibbs. If we know anything about NCIS, it’s to expect the unexpected.

Fan Reaction So Far

From Reddit threads to Twitter (okay, X), the fandom is on fire. Memes, fan art, rewatches of old Tiva scenes—this spinoff has reignited the NCIS flame in a big way. And honestly? It’s long overdue.

Why This Spinoff Matters

It’s more than just content for content’s sake. This show is about closure, growth, and legacy. It honors long-term fans while building something new. And most importantly—it brings Tiva back where they belong: together, complicated, and beautifully messy.

Conclusion: A New Chapter for Tiva, but the Same Heartbeat

After years of “what ifs” and “maybes,” we’re finally getting the story we deserve. The Tony & Ziva spinoff isn’t just a continuation; it’s a celebration. Whether you’ve been shipping Tiva since Season 3 or just jumped on the NCIS train, this show is poised to deliver action, heart, and a whole lot of feels. Buckle up—because it’s gonna be one hell of a ride.