Stephen A. Smith PANICS After Molly Qerim Reveals Why She Joined Fox Sports!
In a dramatic shake-up that has sent shockwaves through the sports media landscape, Molly Qerim, the longtime co-host of ESPN’s “First Take,” has announced her decision to join Fox Sports—and the reason behind her move has left Stephen A. Smith reportedly reeling.
The news broke early Monday morning when Qerim posted a heartfelt message on social media explaining her departure from ESPN. In her statement, Molly cited a desire for greater creative freedom, professional growth, and a more supportive environment as the driving forces behind her decision to switch networks. “I’ve loved my time at ESPN, but Fox Sports offered me an opportunity to expand my voice and work with a team that truly values my perspective,” Qerim wrote.
Sources close to ESPN revealed that Stephen A. Smith, who has worked alongside Qerim for years and developed a strong on-air partnership, was caught off guard by her announcement. Insiders say Smith was visibly shaken during a morning production meeting, expressing concerns about the future of “First Take” without Qerim’s steady presence and unique ability to mediate heated debates.
“Stephen was in a panic,” said one ESPN staffer. “Molly has been the backbone of the show, keeping things balanced and professional. Her departure leaves a huge void, and Smith is worried about how the chemistry and ratings will be affected.”
Qerim’s move to Fox Sports is seen as a major win for the rival network, which has been aggressively recruiting top talent to bolster its sports programming. Fox executives are reportedly thrilled to welcome Qerim, emphasizing her experience, intelligence, and widespread popularity among viewers.
The announcement has sparked widespread speculation about the future of “First Take” and whether ESPN will be able to find a suitable replacement for Qerim. Social media erupted with reactions from fans, many expressing support for Molly’s decision and curiosity about what prompted her to leave such a high-profile position.
As for Stephen A. Smith, sources say he is already in discussions with producers about possible changes to the show’s format and is pushing for a swift search for a new co-host. “First Take” is one of ESPN’s flagship programs, and the pressure is on to maintain its momentum in the wake of Qerim’s departure.
With Molly Qerim’s candid revelation about her reasons for joining Fox Sports, the sports broadcasting world is left wondering what changes lie ahead—and whether ESPN can recover from losing one of its most respected voices.
