Stephen A. Smith Finally Reveals Why He Couldn’t Work With Molly Qerim Anymore—The Truth Behind ESPN’s Biggest Split

For a decade, Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim were the faces of ESPN’s flagship show, First Take. Their chemistry seemed flawless, their banter legendary, and their partnership a model for sports debate television. But on September 15th, 2025, everything changed. Molly Qerim abruptly resigned from ESPN, leaving fans and industry insiders stunned—and sparking a wave of speculation about what really happened behind the scenes.

At first, Smith’s public statements were gracious. He praised Qerim’s “grace, expertise, and incomparable kindness,” acknowledging her enormous role in First Take’s success. But later that day, on his Sirius XM radio show, Smith’s tone shifted. He admitted, “The details are none of y’all business,” but then confessed, “It’s not as if I know all the details.” This strange mix of privacy and uncertainty exposed a deeper story—one that ESPN seemed eager to keep under wraps.

Why did Molly Qerim walk away from the show she helped build? According to industry reports, tensions had been simmering for months. The causes were complex: massive pay disparities, creative differences, and a breakdown in professional dynamics. While Smith had signed a jaw-dropping five-year, $100 million contract extension in early 2025, Qerim’s salary was estimated at just $500,000–$600,000 annually—meaning Smith was earning up to 40 times more than his co-host. The numbers were stark, especially considering Qerim’s vital role in moderating heated debates and maintaining order on the network’s top-rated show.

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The pay gap was glaring, but it wasn’t the only issue. As ESPN moved to lock down rising female talent like Malika Andrews with multi-million dollar deals, Qerim reportedly felt increasingly undervalued. Sources say she approached ESPN for a raise that reflected her decade of service, but the network’s offer fell short—what one analyst called a “lowball” that she found disrespectful. Meanwhile, Fox Sports allegedly offered Qerim a contract worth $2 million per year, quadruple her ESPN salary. Suddenly, the market had spoken: Molly Qerim was worth far more than ESPN was willing to pay.

Complicating matters was Stephen A. Smith’s role in the negotiations. Despite his influence and $20 million annual salary, insiders claim Smith did not advocate for Qerim to receive more equitable compensation. This lack of support from her co-host of ten years may have been the final straw. When Qerim announced her departure on Instagram, she conspicuously omitted Smith’s name from her farewell message, a detail that did not go unnoticed by fans or former colleagues.

Beyond money, the workplace dynamic between Smith and Qerim had become increasingly uncomfortable. Over the years, Smith’s on-air comments about Qerim’s appearance and wardrobe often crossed lines, sparking social media debates about professionalism and respect. Incidents like the infamous “show a little shoulder” remark and the “vibrating phone” moment left Qerim visibly uncomfortable, raising questions about the culture at ESPN and the challenges female hosts face in male-dominated sports media.

When the news of Qerim’s exit broke, ESPN scrambled to explain. President of Content Burke Magnus insisted the network valued Qerim and had hoped to transition her into new roles. But fans saw through the corporate spin. If ESPN truly valued her, why couldn’t they reach a fair deal? Why was the show’s most successful moderator paid a fraction of her male counterparts?

In the aftermath, ESPN moved quickly to fill Qerim’s position, auditioning new hosts and sending a clear message: no one is irreplaceable. But the speed of the transition only fueled criticism about how the network treats its talent—especially women.

Stephen A. Smith’s legacy at ESPN is now complicated by these events. He spoke warmly of Qerim, yet reportedly failed to use his influence to advocate for her. The split between Smith and Qerim is more than a personal or professional rift—it’s a case study in pay equity, workplace dynamics, and the responsibilities of those with power to support their colleagues.

As sports media continues to grapple with these issues, the story of Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim’s partnership—and its dramatic end—serves as a powerful reminder: true success isn’t just about ratings or contracts. It’s about respect, fairness, and knowing when to stand up for the people who help make greatness possible.