New Heated Footage Between Stephen A. Smith And Molly Qerim Goes Viral

Molly Qerim’s sudden departure from ESPN’s First Take on September 15, 2025, stunned fans and sparked a whirlwind of speculation. After nearly a decade as the show’s host and 20 years with the network, her abrupt resignation came without warning—no farewell segment, no transition, just an Instagram post confirming she was leaving “effective immediately.” This exit was more than a routine career move; it was a seismic shift in sports media. Stephen A. Smith, her long-time co-host, addressed the departure emotionally on his SiriusXM radio show, praising Qerim as a valued colleague and friend. However, his cryptic comments—such as saying “the details… are none of y’all business”—only fueled speculation. Smith revealed that the exit stemmed from contract negotiations, with ESPN wanting her to stay, but Qerim choosing to walk away. Reports suggest she had sought a substantial raise, possibly aiming to match the salaries of other prominent ESPN figures, and may have requested greater on-air opportunities. Former ESPN analyst Marcellus Wiley claimed that Smith, who holds significant influence at the network, did not back her during the talks—possibly leading to a breakdown in their professional relationship. Qerim’s farewell statement notably excluded any mention of Smith, which some saw as a telling omission. Wiley and others also pointed to perceived salary inequities within ESPN, suggesting that Qerim may have felt undervalued. As further reports emerged, they revealed that tensions between Qerim and Smith may have been brewing for some time, despite their on-air chemistry and brother-sister dynamic. Some insiders speculated that a top ESPN executive never liked Qerim, compounding her struggles behind the scenes. The situation became even more controversial when discussions about their rumored romantic involvement resurfaced—especially after Qerim’s 2021 divorce from former NBA player Jalen Rose. Although both Smith and Qerim have repeatedly denied any romantic relationship, the rumors intensified after her departure. Adding to the drama, a woman named Nikita Pearson, claiming to be Smith’s girlfriend, accused Qerim of spreading false sexual assault rumors—though these claims remain unverified and unaddressed by either party. Regardless of the rumors, what’s clear is that Qerim and Smith shared a highly successful on-screen partnership that defined First Take for nearly a decade. Their banter, competitive debates, and moments of authenticity made the show a staple of sports television. In the wake of her exit, Qerim re-emerged publicly on October 1, 2025, hosting a Q&A session with UConn basketball coach Dan Hurley to promote his new book—signaling that while her ESPN chapter has closed, her presence in sports media is far from over.