Molly Qerim left ESPN primarily due to contract negotiations in which she ultimately decided not to accept the network's proposal and chose to step away from her role as host of "First Take." ESPN did not want to lose her, but she made the decision to leave immediately and unexpectedly, which happened sooner than she had planned and not in the way she hoped. She expressed gratitude for her time at ESPN and the experience but did not provide specific details on the reasons behind her departure. Her exit marks the end of a decade-long tenure as host of the show, during which she was a significant contributor to its success. Stephen A. Smith, her co-host, confirmed the sudden nature of her resignation and mentioned that the specifics are private. ESPN acknowledged her contributions with respect and wished her well for the future. Speculation by sports insiders also suggests that tensions or a deteriorating relationship might have been involved given the abrupt departure and lack of a farewell episode.