Normally, Molly Qerim co-hosts ESPN’s “First Take” alongside Stephen A. Smith, which now features Shannon Sharpe.
However, she has now been absent for the seventh time, leaving many fans to question whether or not she is okay.
Of course, with the NFL season in full swing, it’s not the best time for a big sports media figure like her to miss an extended period.
Fortunately, though, reports indicate that Qerim is set to return on Oct. 21, just a day before the start of the NBA season, and it all seems connected.
“Molly is a basketball expert first and foremost,” a source told The U.S. Sun. “She wants to be fresh and ready for the intense season ahead. When she is off, she is off. Molly wants a clean break, she has complete downtime. She disconnects almost completely to rest and have a normal, basic life, like everyone. She likes to chill and do simple things. Shopping, sleeping in and cooking at home.”
Luckily, if that source is correct, this seems to just be a case of Qerim needing some time to relax before two of the biggest North American sports simultaneously play.
“First Take” Fans Surely Missed Molly Qerim
Qerim’s absence proved a big deal, as many of the show’s fans were unafraid to show how much they missed her.
BORING 4 DAYS OF FIRST TAKE WITHOUT MOLLY QERIM pic.twitter.com/IrKitknXBz
— milton vadell butler (@mvdbutler) October 14, 2024
@FirstTake when @MollyQerim not there 😅 pic.twitter.com/1PHLvH86EE
— Mr_i_am (@J0se_Liquid) October 11, 2024
THIS HAS BEEN A BAD WEEK FOR @FirstTake WITHOUT @MollyQerim OCTOBER 14-15-16 2024 pic.twitter.com/wcquKZcvUQ
— milton vadell butler (@mvdbutler) October 16, 2024
Qerim has certainly been known to catch some strays from fans of the show occasionally, but you can’t deny that she has a good way of controlling some of the other hosts when things get out of hand.
Her experience within the sports media world also cannot be underestimated.
