There’s a shakeup at “First Take.”
Molly Qerim is leaving the ESPN morning present after a decade as its host, she confirmed Tuesday.
“Hosting this show has been one of the greatest honors of my career,” Qerim wrote on social media. “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.”
Qerim, 41, didn’t announce what’s subsequent, however she did encourage viewers to “stay tuned.” ESPN has not named a alternative.
Tuesday’s announcement got here hours after the Sports activities Enterprise Journal reported Qerim had declined a contract supply and can be leaving ESPN on the finish of the yr.
She was not current for Tuesday’s episode of “First Take,” which started with Stephen A. Smith paying tribute to Qerim.
“She’s hosted ‘First Take’ for 10 years and elevated the show with her grace, her expertise, her incomparable kindness,” Smith mentioned. “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.”
Qerim, who was born in New Haven, Conn., debuted on “First Take” in 2015, again when Smith’s counterpart on the present was Skip Bayless.
She remained a relentless alongside Smith over time because the present employed completely different analysts, together with Max Kellerman and, extra not too long ago, Shannon Sharpe. ESPN minimize ties with Sharpe earlier this yr after he settled a lawsuit during which an ex-girlfriend accused him of sexual assault.
Qerim has been the longest-tenured host of “First Take,” with Jay Crawford, Dana Jacobson, Reischea Canidate and Cari Champion amongst those that preceded her.
“Molly has been an integral part of ESPN since 2006 and a key driver of First Take’s success since joining as host a decade ago,” Burke Magnus, ESPN’s president of content material, mentioned in an announcement.
“She elevated the show with her poise, skill and professionalism, while supporting others as a kind and encouraging teammate. We respect Molly’s decision, wish her the best in the future, and thank her for her extraordinary daily commitment to sports fans and ESPN.”
