Long-time ‘First Take’ host Molly Qerim made an earth-shattering announcement on Monday, and its tremors are being felt even a day after. The 41-year-old ESPN voice announced that she will be leaving the network after working with it for over two decades. While this made everyone think that she would be departing from the show at the end of the year when her contract with ESPN expired, following their alleged failed negotiations, Stephen A. Smith revealed that’s not the case. As a matter of fact, the LeBron James supporter(!) even hinted that something even bigger may be on the horizon.
Even though Molly Qerim hosted the show on Monday, when Tuesday’s episode aired, everyone was shocked to see just Smith inside the newsroom by himself. It was then that the long-time Sports analyst revealed that his long-time co-host had left the broadcasting network with immediate effect. The reporter went on to not only address the situation but also send his heartfelt farewell message to his now-former colleague with whom he shared the room for around 10 years.
Nonetheless, amid this, everyone was left clueless as to what series of events would’ve led to Qerim leaving ESPN in a day’s time. In fact, even Smith attested to the fact that Molly had “abruptly resigned.” Moreover, he also later on his podcast revealed that she and the network were in between contract negotiations, given that her current deal was about to expire in December. However, Stephen A. Smith did not get into further details as he believed that while he knows everything, it’s not his place to bring that to everyone’s notice.
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During the podcast, Smith said, “But we all make decisions that we deem to be in our best interest for whatever reason. And that story is for her (Molly) to tell. Do I have an idea? Of course I do. Am I gonna share it with you? No.” The veteran analyst did not disclose why Molly Qerim left ESPN, as he pleaded the Fifth, refusing to share the behind-the-scenes information with everyone. This has left Qerim’s fans and followers hanging, as they’ve been wondering why she left ESPN ever since she put her resignation on her Instagram story.
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Nonetheless, it seems the fans will have to wait until Molly herself decides to come out in public and address the situation, as everyone awaits an update from the 41-year-old. Meanwhile, even though ESPN confirmed that Molly Qerim’s contribution to the network over the last two decades has been quite significant, and also that the company was saddened by the reporter’s departure, they did not waste any time in making a huge announcement regarding their future.
Despite Molly Qerim’s untimely exit, ESPN makes a huge announcement
While ESPN allegedly failed to reach an agreement with Molly Qerim, that wasn’t the case with another of their hosts, Malika Andrews. On a day that marked an end for one, it marked a new journey for the other. The network announced through social media that they had reached a five-year extension with the 30-year-old. “ESPN has reached a multi-year extension with Sports Emmy Award-winning host & reporter @malika_andrews,” they wrote.
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While this, on its own, is fantastic news, because if there’s anyone who truly deserves this recognition, it’s the ‘NBA Countdown’ and ‘NBA Today’ host. However, it’s the timing of this announcement that seems to hint toward this move being linked to that of Qerim’s sudden departure. Nonetheless, these are mere speculations for now, with there being no relation being established between the two moves, as of now. Meanwhile, this move also seems to highlight a growing trend in sports media.
With a network willing to invest in young, versatile journalists. Andrews, who’s just 30, joined ESPN back in 2018, and since then has climbed up the ranks and become a well-known face in sports media. Now, with her future with the network locked in, it’s only fair to assume that her responsibilities are set to increase. Everyone will be interested in watching whether her extension puts her in the pole position to replace Molly Qerim, or will that place be filled by someone else? Meanwhile, we continue to keep a close eye on any developments.