Molly Qerim leaves ESPN's 'First Take' after 10 years hosting show with Stephen A. Smith

Molly Qerim has left ESPN’s “First Take” after 10 years as the show’s host, she confirmed on Monday night in an Instagram post.

“After much reflection, I’ve decided it’s time to close this incredible chapter and step away from ‘First Take,’’’ she wrote. “Hosting this show has been one of the greatest honors of my career.

“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.

“I’m so grateful for what this journey has given me: lifelong friendships, unforgettable memories, and the chance to be part of something truly special. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for welcoming me into your homes. Stay tuned.”

Sports Business Journal first reported on Monday night that Qerim would leave the show and depart ESPN altogether at the end of the year. SBJ said the network had offered her a new contract but that she decided to move on. She has worked at ESPN since 2006.

Stephen A. Smith opened Tuesday’s show by saying, “Normally, our friend Molly Qerim would greet you. However, Molly announced last night she will be departing from ESPN. She’s hosted ‘First Take’ for 10 years and elevated the show with her grace, her expertise and incomparable kindness.

“She’s been an enormous part of our success for a decade. Not only did she keep me and many others in line, she did it with dignity, class and kindness, to say the least. We’ll miss her and wish her every blessing on her future.

“I personally am grateful to her for her friendship. I will miss spending every weekday morning with her right by my side.”

Later in the day, on his podcast, Smith said of Qerim, “Last night she abruptly resigned as the host of the show, 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 y’all’s 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."

Chris “Mad Dog” Russo, who appears on the show every Wednesday, often bantering with Qerim, told Newsday on Tuesday, “I was very, very surprised. I did text her today, and I’ll miss her. She was great to me. We had a good relationship there. So I was shocked.

“I had a good relationship with Molly. She got me.”

By Neil Best

neil.best@newsday.com@sportswatch

Neil Best first worked at Newsday in 1982, returned in 1985 after a detour to Alaska and has been here since, specializing in high schools, college basketball, the NFL and most recently sports media and business.