Stephen A. Smith FINALLY Reveals Why Molly Qerim Left ESPN For Fox Sports!
In a shocking turn of events, Molly Karum, the beloved co-host of ESPN’s flagship show First Take, announced her abrupt resignation on September 15, 2025, after a decade of partnership with Stephen A. Smith. Their chemistry had captivated audiences, but behind the scenes, tensions were brewing that would ultimately lead to this unexpected split.
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A Sudden Departure
Molly’s exit came as a surprise to fans and colleagues alike. Just a day before her announcement, she hosted First Take with no indication that anything was amiss. The news broke in the Sports Business Journal, revealing that she had declined a contract extension, leading to speculation about the reasons behind her departure. Stephen A. Smith publicly expressed his sadness, calling it an “abrupt resignation,” but his later comments on his Sirius XM radio show hinted at deeper issues.
The Hidden Struggles
As Smith addressed Molly’s departure, he acknowledged the discomfort surrounding the situation. He stated, “The details are none of y’all business,” yet admitted he was also left in the dark about the circumstances leading to her resignation. This admission suggested a breakdown in communication not just between them, but also within the network itself.
Molly confirmed her exit via an Instagram post, thanking the “brilliant, passionate, and entertaining voices in sports,” but notably omitting any mention of Stephen A. This absence spoke volumes about their relationship, hinting at unresolved tensions that had built up over the years.
The Pay Disparity
One of the most glaring issues was the staggering pay disparity between the two co-hosts. Stephen A. had signed a $100 million contract extension, making him the highest-paid personality at ESPN, while Molly earned between $500,000 and $600,000 annually. This meant he was making 33 to 40 times more than her, despite their shared contributions to the show’s success.
The disparity became even more pronounced when compared to other ESPN personalities. For instance, Kirk Herbstreit earned $18 million, and even lesser-known figures like Mike Greenberg received $6.5 million. The contrast highlighted a systemic issue within ESPN regarding the compensation of female talent, especially those who had proven their worth over years of service.
The Dynamics of Their Relationship
The professional dynamics between Stephen A. and Molly had always been complex. While they shared a playful rapport on air, there were numerous instances where Stephen A.’s comments about Molly’s appearance raised eyebrows. This type of banter, framed as humor, often put her in uncomfortable positions, making her the subject of attention for reasons unrelated to her professional skills.
For example, an incident in October 2023 involving a “vibrating phone” created a viral moment filled with sexual innuendo, leaving Molly visibly uncomfortable. Such interactions contributed to a workplace environment where her professionalism was often overshadowed by her appearance, complicating her role as a moderator.
The Breaking Point
As negotiations for her contract extension unfolded, Molly reportedly felt undervalued, especially as she watched younger female talent at ESPN secure more lucrative deals. When she approached the network for a raise that reflected her contributions, the response was a lowball offer that she found disrespectful.
Industry insiders speculated that Stephen A., despite his significant influence, did not advocate for her during these negotiations. This lack of support may have been the final straw, leading her to accept a lucrative offer from Fox Sports, which was reportedly worth $2 million per year—quadruple her ESPN salary.
The Aftermath
Molly’s departure sent shockwaves through the sports media landscape, exposing deep-rooted issues regarding pay equity and workplace dynamics. In the weeks following her exit, ESPN quickly announced on-air tryouts for her replacement, signaling that no one was irreplaceable—a stark contrast to how they treated Stephen A. Smith with his multimillion-dollar contract.
Social media reactions were swift, with many questioning whether Stephen A. had done enough to support Molly during her time at ESPN. His silence on the specifics of her departure left a vacuum filled with speculation about his role and the broader implications for workplace allyship.
A Watershed Moment
Molly Karum’s exit from ESPN represents a watershed moment in discussions about value and equity in sports media. Her decade of service and essential role in the success of First Take should have guaranteed her fair compensation. The fact that it didn’t highlights systemic issues that extend beyond one network or one individual.
The lessons from this situation resonate throughout the industry, challenging us to consider how we value different types of work and the responsibilities of those in power to advocate for fair treatment of their colleagues.
As audiences reflect on Molly’s contributions to First Take, they recognize the importance of moderators in shaping discussions, even if networks often fail to compensate them accordingly. The story of Molly Karum and Stephen A. Smith serves as a reminder of the complexities of workplace dynamics and the ongoing struggle for equity in sports media.
This narrative captures the essence of the events surrounding Molly Karum’s departure, exploring the underlying issues of pay disparity, workplace dynamics, and the broader implications for the sports media industry.
