Stephen Smith Leaks Molly Qerim’s Video That Just Destroyed Her Entire Career!
The Shocking Exit of Molly Karum: Power, Betrayal, and Hypocrisy at ESPN
Molly Karum was more than just a host on ESPN’s First Take — she was a friend, a trusted coworker, and a key figure holding the show together for nearly a decade. But on September 15th, 2025, everything changed in an instant.
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The Sudden Fall
What started as a typical Monday hosting First Take quickly turned into a nightmare. That evening, the Sports Business Journal dropped a bombshell: Molly was leaving ESPN after contract talks completely collapsed. Overnight, her private negotiations became public gossip, leaving her blindsided and humiliated.
Instead of quietly finishing out her contract, Molly stunned everyone by walking away immediately — an emergency exit that sent shockwaves through ESPN. The network scrambled to respond, but the damage was done.
The Silent Rift
Stephen A. Smith, Molly’s longtime co-host and friend, was left to face the fallout alone. On air, he was visibly emotional, calling Molly a partner and friend but also hinting at undisclosed “uncomfortable” details. Yet, Molly’s farewell Instagram post made one glaring omission: she never mentioned Stephen A. Smith by name.
This silence spoke volumes. Industry insiders quickly sensed a deep personal and professional rift behind the scenes. Marcelus Wy, a veteran sports media insider, saw Molly’s dramatic exit as a calculated statement — a way to force the network and Stephen A. to recognize just how crucial she was to the show’s success.
The Money and the Power Struggle
The root of the conflict? Money and respect. Molly reportedly earned around $500,000 per year, a fraction of Stephen A.’s $20 million-plus salary. Despite her vital role, ESPN refused to offer her a significant raise or expanded opportunities, such as hosting her own show, which she sought as a natural career progression.
Meanwhile, Fox Sports dangled a lucrative offer — $2 million annually, quadrupling her ESPN salary. But ESPN’s response was cold: take it or leave it.
Stephen A.’s Controversial Role
Stephen A. Smith isn’t just a co-host; he’s an executive producer with significant influence over First Take’s personnel and budget decisions. Rumors suggest he may have been instrumental in blocking Molly’s requests, benefiting from keeping her salary low to maintain his own power.
What made matters worse was Stephen A.’s public comments after Molly’s departure. He gave cryptic statements about contract negotiations and humility, repeatedly emphasizing that “everyone answers to somebody” and warning against “overvaluing yourself.” Though he claimed these remarks weren’t about Molly, the timing and context told a different story.
Hypocrisy Exposed
Stephen A.’s lecture on humility and knowing one’s place rang hollow, given his own history. In 2024, he publicly demanded $25 million per year from ESPN, turning his contract talks into a media spectacle. He compared himself to NFL quarterbacks and fiercely defended his worth.
Yet, when Molly sought a fair raise and career growth, he criticized her for “overvaluing” herself and seemingly sided with ESPN executives who blocked her. Emanuel Acho, another media personality, called out Stephen A. for this blatant double standard, urging him to protect Molly’s reputation instead of undermining her.
Behind the Scenes Betrayal
Insiders revealed that Stephen A. had considerable sway in personnel decisions and that some ESPN executives, alongside him, failed to recognize Molly’s talent and contributions. While Stephen A. leveraged every bit of power during his own negotiations, Molly was left fighting for scraps.
The Aftermath
Molly Karum is now reportedly in talks with Fox Sports for a deal worth $2 million per year — a testament to her value that ESPN refused to acknowledge. Meanwhile, Stephen A. continues to earn over $20 million annually, preaching humility and respect in negotiations he himself never practiced.
This saga is more than just a contract dispute. It’s a story of power, loyalty, betrayal, and hypocrisy at the highest levels of sports media. Molly’s dramatic exit and Stephen A.’s contradictory behavior will be remembered as one of the most contentious chapters in ESPN’s history.
