ESPN's 'First Take' broadcasts live from Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium with hosts Molly Qerim and Stephen A. Smith ahead of The Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic 2022. Friday, September 02, 2022. Espn First Take Benson16

The Molly Qerim news about the longtime First Take host leaving the ESPN show and the company sent shockwaves through the sports media world. Qerim announced her departure Tuesday morning after reports said she would leave at the end of the year.

But she was absent on Tuesday morning's show and Stephen A. Smith delivered a speech about her to open the episode.

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"She's hosted First Take for 10 years and elevated the show with her grace, her expertise, her incomparable kindness," he said. "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."

He added that he and others will miss her and "wish her every blessing on her future."

Is Molly Qerim out at First Take immediately?

That's unclear. Smith sure made it sound like she was gone for good, but reports previously said she was out at the end of the year.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Stephen A. Smith delivers Molly Qerim tribute amid 'First Take' absence

Reporting by Charles Curtis, For The Win / For The Win

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