Stephen A. Smith Shoots Down Theory On Molly Qerim's Departure

It's been a while since Molly Qerim left ESPN and "First Take."

The longtime host of the ESPN morning debate show left toward the end of 2025 in a major surprise. Qerim and ESPN were reportedly in contract negotiation when the host of "First Take" opted to leave the network altogether.

Speculation has since swirled about her departure.

Was Stephen A. Smith pushing for her replacement? Did he have a hand in the negotiations that were going down between the Worldwide Leader in Sports and the "First Take" host?

Smith has shot down some of the theories.

The longtime ESPN personality made it clear that he had nothing to do with Qerim's exit. On the contrary, he actually wanted her to return.

Smith is disappointed with how it all shook out.

ESPN star sounds off on Qerim's exit

Smith maintained that it was Qerim's decision to leave the show and not his.

"I was not behind that," Smith said on Funky Friday with Cam Newton. "I had nothing to do with that. I love Molly. "Molly is a really good friend. She's always been good to me, and she was on the show with me for 10 years and, you know, we were number one. And she had a lot to do with that, because a lot of people got a lot of love for her."

Smith did admit that Qerim had a lot going on.

"There were times that, you know, I wondered whether she wanted to be there or not, cause she had a lot going on," Smith said. "And it just got to a point where, you know, she was just at odds in terms of what she wanted to do compared to what they wanted to do… I'm not at liberty to get into the details. I can't do that. I'm not gonna do that, but I will tell you that they have a right to make those decisions."

But he misses her a lot.

"I'm not just speaking about Molly's ability as a host. I'm not just speaking about the love and the affinity that the community had for her. She and I are friends," Smith said. "I've known Molly now for over 11 years. She's confided in me a lot, trusted me with a lot of things, and our friendship only grew, and I miss her. I miss her a lot."

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This story was originally published May 3, 2026 at 6:16 AM.