Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim (Photo Via YouTube and Instagram/@mollyqerim)
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.

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

ESPN’s Molly Qerim Makes Headlines With Big AnnouncementMolly 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.

REPORT: Shocking New Details Reveal Michael Jordan’s Hidden Power Move With NBC Sports

New details reveal Michael Jordan’s exact role with NBC Sports, offering fresh insight into his growing influence off the courtMichael Jordan (Photo by Jim Dedmon/Imagn Images)
NBC dropped a huge announcement when they roped in the services of Michael Jordan. With the league returning to the network next season, NBC is said to have some big plans with the Chicago Bulls legend. While it is clear that he will be a part of the overall coverage, the media outlet has remained tight-lipped about the same. Till now, it was only known that Jordan will be acting as a ‘special contributor’ for NBC. But now, there might be some shocking details emerging.

Speaking on the topic, Alex Sherman of ‘CNBC’ provided some insight into the matter. He pointed out that the preliminary plans for Jordan are to appear in taped segments. This way, Jordan will be providing analysis on the games. These tapes are expected to be aired either at halftime or at the end of each game.

Sherman also pointed out that NBC will also keep the opportunity for Jordan’s role to evolve in the future. Extending the topic further, ‘CNBC’ also reported that the deal with Jordan was orchestrated by none other than his longtime friend, Jon Miller. Meanwhile, after landing such a huge deal, it is quite expected that Michael Jordan will be elated.

Michael Jordan Gets Candid About His Feelings After The NBC Deals

Sep 1, 2024; Darlington, South Carolina, USA; NASCAR Cup Series Team 23XI owner Michael Jordan watches a video board as NASCAR Cup Series driver Bubba Wallace (23) races during the Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
After the announcements were made, Jordan looked quite happy to have landed himself a big role. Afterall, considering the legend he is, Jordan’s valuable insights will be a great addition to the league’s coverage. Shedding light on the matter, Jordan stated how he was utterly excited to be working with NBC.

“I am so excited to see the NBA back on NBC,” Jordan said in a short clip. “The NBA on NBC was a meaningful part of my career, and I’m excited about being a special contributor to the project. I’m looking forward to seeing you all when the NBA on NBC launches this October.”

Thus, with things looking quite upbeat for Jordan, it now remains to be seen how things pan out in the future.