Molly Qerim is set for her first appearance since her shock exit from ESPN earlier this month.
The former “First Take” host will moderate a Q&A with UConn men’s basketball coach Dan Hurley Wednesday night at the Student Union Theater on the school’s Storrs campus.
Qerim announced her departure from ESPN two weeks ago, shortly after Sports Business Journal reported she’d be leaving at the end of the year. As it turned out, she left immediately.
“After much reflection, I’ve decided it’s time to close this incredible chapter and step away from First Take,” Qerim, who had hosted the show since 2015, wrote on her Instagram Story on Sept. 15. “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.
“I’m so grateful for what this journey has given me: lifelong friendships, unforgettable memories, and the chance to be part of something truly special. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for welcoming me into your homes.”
The next morning on “First Take,” Stephen A. Smith opened the show with a tribute to Qerim, calling her “an enormous part of our success for a decade.”
Later that day on his SiriusXM Radio show, Smith mentioned Qerim was in contract negotiations with ESPN and that he was “not happy” about Qerim leaving.
In an interview with The Athletic, ESPN president of content Burke Magnus revealed that Qerim was going to leave “First Take” no matter what, but they were hoping to keep her.
“She’s an awesome person. You know, it’s business,” Magnus said. “You try your best and we just weren’t totally aligned. I totally respect her interest, in rather than going into a less defined situation, to make a clean break and try to do other things outside of ESPN.”
Magnus also said ESPN would have a 30-to-45-day tryout period featuring different hosts before deciding on Qerim’s permanent replacement.