The abrupt exit of a beloved sports TV host has sports fans buzzing—could this shake up the entire landscape of morning debates?
Imagine tuning into your favorite morning show, only to discover the host you've grown to know and love is suddenly gone. That's exactly what happened with Molly Qerim on ESPN's highly popular program, First Take. For those new to the sports media world, First Take is the network's flagship daytime debate show, where hosts and guests dive into the latest sports news, argue passionately about teams and players, and keep viewers hooked with their energetic discussions. It's not just any show—it's often the most-watched studio program on ESPN, sparking countless conversations online and beyond. But here's where it gets controversial: Qerim's sudden departure last month left everyone scratching their heads, and ESPN scrambling to fill her shoes.
Since Qerim walked away in mid-September, ESPN has been running what feels like an open audition for her co-host spot. They've brought in a rotating cast of fresh faces and familiar names to sit alongside the show's fiery personality, Stephen A. Smith, and his lively team. This isn't a minor change; First Take is ESPN's crown jewel in studio programming, the go-to spot for sports debates that dominate social media and watercooler chats alike. Choosing the right replacement was huge—think of it as finding the perfect partner to keep the show's chemistry crackling.
Fast-forward to Thursday, and ESPN finally made their decision official: Shae Cornette is stepping in as the new host of First Take, joining Stephen A. Smith and the crew. As confirmed by ESPN to reporters Ryan Glasspiegel and Mike McCarthy from Front Office Sports, Cornette will be the one holding down the fort starting November 3. To give you some context if you're not deeply into sports broadcasting, Cornette isn't a complete newbie. According to ESPN's official bio, she's already a staple on the network, hosting shows like SportsCenter—that's the iconic daily sports news program that recaps games and highlights. She came on board with ESPN in 2020 after building her reputation in Chicago, where she covered the Bears for Fox 32 and co-hosted Kap & Co. on ESPN 1000 radio. This new role as First Take host marks her biggest spotlight yet at the network, putting her in the center of those high-stakes debates.
As for Molly Qerim, she hasn't spilled the beans on what's next after more than a decade anchoring First Take. Just recently, she popped up in a Q&A session with UConn basketball coach Dan Hurley to chat about his new book, giving fans a glimpse of her still-active presence in the media world. It's clear we're entering a fresh chapter for First Take, one that might redefine its vibe.
ESPN's announcement painted Cornette as a powerhouse fit. Their statement highlighted her journey: "Cornette has been a longstanding anchor on SportsCenter and a mainstay across ESPN studio programming since joining ESPN in 2020. She is known for her dynamic presence, extensive knowledge, and confident command of conversation, making her a respected and recognizable voice across television, radio, and streaming." Cornette herself chimed in with enthusiasm, sharing, "I feel ready to step into this role and know I can add to the already successful brand that First Take is. From my days in radio to hosting SportsCenter and now First Take, my journey at ESPN has been one of growth, challenge, and opportunity. First Take’s energy, perspective, and passion represents everything I love about sports, and I’m excited to bring more of that to the debate desk every weekday morning."
Now, let's talk about the drama behind Qerim's exit—it was anything but planned. Midway through September, it seemed triggered by a report from the Sports Business Journal suggesting she and ESPN were parting ways at the end of 2025. But just after that story hit the headlines, Qerim dropped an emotional farewell message, catching everyone off guard. Colleagues like Stephen A. Smith called it an abrupt resignation, and even guest Chris 'Mad Dog' Russo weighed in during a podcast appearance, theorizing that Qerim might have felt humiliated by the early leak. He speculated she didn't want to be seen as a "lame duck" for the rest of the year, a move that shocked him too. And this is the part most people miss—Russo's take raises eyebrows: Was it embarrassment that pushed her out, or something else simmering beneath the surface? It's a juicy rumor mill moment that has fans debating whether ESPN mishandled the transition or if Qerim simply reclaimed control of her narrative.
What do you think? Is Shae Cornette the ideal choice to keep First Take firing on all cylinders, or will the show feel different without Qerim's unique touch? And let's get controversial—do you believe the leaked departure plans were the real reason for her quick exit, or is there more to the story that we haven't heard? Share your thoughts in the comments below; I'm curious to hear agreements, disagreements, or even wild theories! For more updates on ESPN and sports media shake-ups, stay tuned to our feed.
