Molly Qerim’s exit from ESPN’s First Take has left fans and insiders buzzing. The veteran host’s departure was sudden, but in a recent SI Media Podcast, Chris “Mad Dog” Russo shared a behind-the-scenes scoop: Stephen A. Smith called him the night before Qerim left, giving him a glimpse of ESPN’s plans and why Qerim may have chosen to step away.

Why Molly Qerim may have decided to leave abruptly rather than stay as a “lame duck”

Russo speculated that Qerim chose to leave quickly because she may have felt “embarrassed” by the leak of her departure and didn’t want to continue as a host knowing her tenure was coming to an end. By stepping away, she avoided being a “lame duck” figure on the show and controlled her exit on her own terms, preserving her professional image while ESPN finalized its plans for First Take.Behind the scenes, the network reportedly considered moving her to SportsCenter, which some insiders suggest she perceived as a demotion. The sudden nature of the news reportedly caught many in the sports media world by surprise.During his appearance on the SI Media Podcast with Jimmy Traina, Russo revealed that Stephen A. Smith reached out to him the evening before Qerim’s departure. Russo described the call as informative but shocking, noting that he was surprised by the abruptness of the decision. This insider detail highlights how quickly the changes at ESPN unfolded, and how even media veterans like Russo were taken aback by the timing.

Fans weigh in on Molly Qerim’s sudden exit and ESPN’s handling of First Take

Fans debated ESPN’s handling, with some suggesting the network tried to underpay or overwork her, while others joked about SportsCenter being a “demotion.” The reactions highlight how much viewers valued Qerim’s presence and how invested they are in the show’s behind-the-scenes drama.

What’s next for First Take after Molly Qerim’s departure

After Qerim left, ESPN initiated a month-long trial period with guest hosts filling her spot. Following the trial, the network selected Shae Cornette as the permanent host, who is set to begin her role on November 3, 2025. Cornette will join Stephen A. Smith and take over hosting duties, and fans will be watching to see how she reshapes the show’s dynamic.Qerim’s exit and the swift replacement process signal ESPN’s intent to keep First Take fresh and competitive. With Cornette stepping in, the show will likely see a shift in tone and hosting style, while fans continue to follow behind-the-scenes stories like Russo’s revelation for insight into the network’s decision-making.Also read – Justin Jefferson goes undercover to prank Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and fans are loving it