Stephen A. Smith is shedding more light on the stunning departure of First Take <\/em>host Molly Qerim.<\/p>\n On his podcast September 16, Smith got into some of the details of Qerim’s exit, hinting at what may have caused the host to leave the show after more than a decade with ESPN.<\/p>\n A somber Smith told his audience, “Last night, she abruptly resigned as the host of the show. To say that I\u2019m quite sad about it is an understatement. Molly is a friend, Molly is a coworker, Molly is somebody that I have leaned on in many occasions in the past as she has done when it comes to me, we\u2019ve been partners on the show for the last ten years. A lot of times these things happen and it\u2019s just uncomfortable to see.”<\/p>\n COMPLEX SHOP:<\/b> Shop the brands you love, anytime and anywhere. Uncover what’s next. Buy. Collect. Obsess.<\/a><\/p>\n He continued, “The details, quite frankly, are none of y\u2019all business\u2014but it\u2019s not as if I know all the details. There was a contract negotiation that was going on, ESPN certainly did not want to lose her, but in the end she made a decision to walk away from the show effective immediately.”<\/p>\n Molly stunned First Take <\/em>fans when she announced she was leaving the show, writing on Instagram, “After much reflection, I\u2019ve decided it\u2019s time to close this incredible chapter and step away from First Take. Hosting this show has been one of the greatest honors of my career. Every morning, I had the privilege of sharing the desk with some of the most brilliant, passionate, and entertaining voices in sports \u2014 and with all of you, the best fans in the world.”<\/p>\n She continued, “I\u2019m so grateful for what this journey has given me: lifelong friendships, unforgettable memories, and the chance to be part of something truly special. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for welcoming me into your homes. Stay tuned. With love and gratitude, Molly.\u201d<\/p>\n While it’s unclear what Qerim will do next, it’s also unclear who will fill her role as host on First Take<\/em>.<\/p>\n <\/a> Stephen A. Smith Booed Heavily at Alvarez and Crawford Fight<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n ,<\/p>\n <\/a> Stephen A. Smith ‘Salty’ Over Michelle Obama’s ‘Housewives’ Comparison<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n ,<\/p>\n <\/a> Stephen A. Smith Roasted for Playing Solitaire During NBA Finals: ‘I Can Multitask’<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Stephen A. Smith Booed Heavily at Alvarez and Crawford Fight<\/a><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n Travis Kelce Says ‘The Palms Were Definitely Sweating’ During Taylor Swift Proposal<\/a><\/i><\/b><\/p>\nRelated News<\/h3>\n
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