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The news of Molly Qerim’s ESPN exit did not come out in the way she had hoped it would.
In a note posted to her Instagram Story, the “First Take” host said Tuesday morning that news “came out earlier than I intended” — hours after Sports Business Journal reported that she turned down ESPN’s offer for a new contract and will depart the worldwide leader at the end of the year.
“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, president of content at ESPN, said Tuesday, shortly after Qerim’s statement. “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.”
ESPN and Qerim did not say when her official last “First Take” show will be.
“After much reflection, I’ve decided it’s time to close this incredible chapter and step away from First Take,” Qerim 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.”
It’s unclear what’s next for Qerim, who added, “Stay tuned” with a smiley face.
The Emmy Award-winning Qerim began hosting “First Take” in 2015, when she returned to ESPN following stints at CBS Sports and NFL Network.
Qerim first joined ESPN in 2006, where she spent four years contributing to digital and mobile platforms, earning an Emmy in 2008 for her work on “Fantasy Football Now.”
She covered college football and basketball, among other major events, while at CBS Sports in New York — and hosted “NFL AM” and “NFL Fantasy Live” while at NFL Network in Los Angeles.
A native of Connecticut, Qerim graduated from the University of Connecticut.
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