Why Is Molly Qerim Leaving ESPN?
Smith added more context on his radio show afterward. “Last night, she abruptly resigned as the host of the show,” Smith said. “And to say that I’m quite sad about it is an understatement. Molly is a friend, Molly is a co-worker. Molly is somebody that I have leaned on on many occasions in the past, as she has done when it comes to me. We have 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. The details, quite frankly, are none of ya’ll business, but it’s 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.”
Qerim made the announcement by surprise on social media. “Hosting this show has been one of the greatest honors of my career,” she wrote. “Every morning, I had the privilege of sharing the desk with some of the most brilliant, passionate, and entertaining voices in sports — and with all of you, the best fans in the world.” While she didn’t provide any further details, she concluded by telling her followers to “stay tuned.”