Overview

• Molly Qerim confirmed her departure in an Instagram post, saying the news surfaced earlier than she intended and closing with “Stay tuned.”
• Sports Business Journal reported ESPN offered Qerim a new deal that she declined, tying the decision to contract negotiations.
• Qerim was off the show Tuesday as Stephen A. Smith opened with a tribute, later saying on SiriusXM that she abruptly resigned effective immediately.
• ESPN content chief Burke Magnus praised Qerim’s decade on First Take and nearly two decades at the network in a statement respecting her decision.
• First Take is proceeding without its longtime moderator, with Smith hosting in the short term as ESPN has yet to announce a permanent successor.