After announcing her departure from ESPN on Monday, Molly Qerim was not on “First Take” Tuesday morning.

Stephen A. Smith is hosting the show for the rest of the week and opened with a tribute to Qerim, acknowledging her announcement.

“Good morning, and welcome to ‘First Take.’ Normally, our friend Molly Qerim would greet you. However, Molly announced last night she will be departing from ESPN,” Smith said as he opened the show. “She’s hosted ‘First Take’ for 10 years and elevated the show with her grace, her expertise and incomparable kindness.

“She’s been an enormous part of our success for a decade. Not only did she keep me and many others in line, she did it with dignity, class and kindness, to say the least. We’ll miss her and wish her every blessing on her future.

“First Take”

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