The sports media world has been buzzing ever since Molly Qerim, the longtime face of ESPN’s First Take, made the shocking move to Fox Sports. Fans have speculated for months about what really went down behind the scenes — and now, Stephen A. Smith has finally broken his silence.
On his podcast, Stephen A. didn’t hold back. He admitted there was “way more drama than people know” surrounding Molly’s exit from ESPN. For years, Molly was seen as the glue that held First Take together, balancing the fiery debates between Stephen A. and his rotating co-hosts. But according to him, Molly felt “boxed in” by ESPN executives who didn’t give her the opportunities she deserved.
“Molly Qerim is not just a moderator,” Stephen A. said firmly. “She’s smart, she’s sharp, and she wanted more than just tossing questions back and forth while me and the fellas yell. She wanted her own platform — and ESPN wasn’t giving it to her.”
The revelation hit fans hard. Many had assumed Molly’s departure was amicable, but Stephen A. hinted at deep frustrations behind the scenes. He claimed Molly had been pushing for new projects, including a show centered around women in sports, but higher-ups allegedly “kept shutting her down.”
And when Fox Sports came knocking? According to Stephen A., Molly saw it as her chance to finally spread her wings. “Fox promised her something ESPN wouldn’t,” he explained. “They gave her creative control. They gave her respect. And yes, they gave her the bag too.”
Of course, Stephen A. being Stephen A., he couldn’t resist adding some heat. “I told her straight up — if they’re giving you what you’ve been asking for, take it! Because you ain’t gonna get it here.”
The fallout has been massive. ESPN insiders are reportedly furious that Stephen A. put the network on blast, while Fox Sports is celebrating the media coup of the year. Fans, meanwhile, are debating whether Molly betrayed First Take or whether she was simply smart enough to bet on herself.
One thing is clear: Molly Qerim’s move wasn’t just about switching networks. It was about power, respect, and finally getting her shot to shine beyond Stephen A. Smith’s shadow. And with Stephen A. finally confirming the whispers, the story behind her departure is messier — and juicier — than anyone imagined.
