Molly Qerim’s Surprising Exit from ESPN’s First Take Explained

• Molly Qerim left First Take abruptly in September 2025 after a decade as host.
• Chris “Mad Dog” Russo theorized she felt embarrassed by an early news leak and did not want to be a “lame duck”.
• Reports indicate significant salary disparity and unfulfilled ambitions for a new show contributed to her exit.
• ESPN executive Burke Magnus stated Qerim wanted to explore new opportunities outside of the network.
• SportsCenter anchor Shae Cornette was named the new permanent host of the show in October 2025.

Molly Qerim’s sudden departure from ESPN’s First Take in September 2025 shocked sports media. After a decade as host, her immediate exit left viewers and colleagues seeking answers.

While official statements point to a mutual decision, insights from those inside the show, like weekly guest Chris “Mad Dog” Russo, provide a clearer picture of the underlying reasons for her abrupt resignation.

The Embarrassment of a Looming Demotion

Chris “Mad Dog” Russo theorized that Molly Qerim felt “embarrassed” after learning ESPN planned to move her from First Take. He suggested that once this news became public via a Sports Business Journal report, Qerim chose to leave immediately rather than continue as a “lame duck” for the remainder of the year.

Russo believed the network wanted to keep her but potentially in a different role, which she may have viewed as a professional step down. This perceived demotion, coupled with the public nature of the leak, likely prompted her decision to precipitate her exit.

Mad Dog Russo explains why Molly Qerim departed from ESPN’s First Take, stating that Stephen A. Smith contacted him the day prior to her exit, revealing that ESPN intended to shift her to SportsCenter, which she likely perceived as a demotion.via sports illustrated pic.twitter.com/0P676runwf

— joebuddenclips/fanpage (@chatnigga101) October 16, 2025

Salary Discontent and Network Negotiations

Another dimension to her exit involves contract negotiations and compensation. Former ESPN colleague Marcellus Wiley reported that Qerim was earning around $500,000 annually, a figure she found disrespectful.

This was starkly lower than Stephen A. Smith’s reported $20–21 million per year and the seven-figure salaries of other female ESPN talents. Furthermore, Qerim reportedly sought to host other shows or have her own program, but the network was not signing off on these expanded opportunities. The combination of pay disparity and limited career growth contributed to her decision to walk away.

Surprise and Swift Aftermath at ESPN

The suddenness of Qerim’s departure stunned her colleagues. Stephen A. Smith confirmed her “abrupt resignation” was effective immediately and admitted the news came as a “shock,” blindsiding him and others. Russo echoed this sentiment, noting that upon arriving at work, Qerim had already been “scrubbed off all the promos,” illustrating the swift and unforgiving nature of television.

ESPN executive Burke Magnus stated the network had been in renewal conversations with Qerim but acknowledged, “we just weren’t totally aligned,” confirming she wanted to explore other ventures.

A New Chapter for First Take and Qerim

ESPN swiftly moved to fill the vacant hosting role, naming Shae Cornette as the official new host of First Take after a tryout period with several candidates. In a statement, Smith praised Cornette’s “command of the desk” and readiness for the role.

Meanwhile, Molly Qerim has begun her post-ESPN career, having already hosted a Q&A forum with UConn men’s basketball coach Dan Hurley. Her departure marks the end of a significant era for the show and the beginning of a new professional journey for her.

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Last Updated on October 16, 2025 by 247 News Around The World