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4h ago

Chris Russo Suggests 'Lame-Duck' Optics Drove Molly Qerim's ESPN Exit

ESPN is running a 30–45 day on‑air tryout following a previously planned year‑end move off First Take.

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Overview

  • On the SI Media podcast, Chris “Mad Dog” Russo said he believes Qerim left early because she felt embarrassed about a looming demotion and did not want to finish the year as a lame duck.
  • Russo said Stephen A. Smith alerted him the night before Qerim’s departure and added that he later spoke with her about the exit.
  • ESPN content chief Burke Magnus previously confirmed the network intended to move Qerim off First Take at the end of her contract and said renewal talks stalled as she looked to explore other opportunities.
  • The network has launched a roughly 30–45 day audition period for a new moderator, with Amina Smith, MJ Acosta Ruiz, Peter Schrager, and Shae Cornett among the recent rotating hosts.
  • Qerim announced her departure on Instagram last month, calling the news earlier than she intended, and has since taken outside appearances including a Q&A with UConn coach Dan Hurley.