Molly Qerim’s ESPN exit rocked the sports television world this week when the “First Take” host resigned in a note posted Monday to her Instagram Story.

Qerim announced her decision to leave the Worldwide Leader after 10 years of working alongside “First Take” star and executive producer Stephen A. Smith, who said the news “came as a shock” to him.

Smith confirmed his co-star’s exit on Tuesday’s installment of “First Take,” which did not feature Qerim. 5

During his daily SiriusXM show, Smith explained that Qerim “abruptly resigned” amid contract negotiations with ESPN, adding the company did not want to lose her.

Smith also said he has an idea of why Qerim left, but that it is her story to tell.

Qerim’s announcement came hours after Sports Business Journal reported th

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