Shae Cornette Steps in for Molly Qerim on ESPN’s First Take Following Surprise Departure

ESPN has announced that Shae Cornette will step in as the new host of First Take, sharing the spotlight with Stephen A. Smith. This decision comes after Molly Qerim’s unexpected departure, which took fans by surprise last month. Initially, it was believed that Qerim would conclude her lengthy 19-year tenure with the network at the end of the year, but her sudden exit fueled speculation about who might take over her role.

In the wake of Qerim’s departure, ESPN tested several potential candidates to find the right fit for the dynamic talk show. The network considered a diverse group, including Amina Smith, MJ Acosta, Courtney Cronin, and Joe Fortenbaugh, before settling on Cornette.

Cornette, who joined ESPN in 2020, has already made a mark by stepping in for Qerim on First Take during her absences. Her background includes experience with the Big Ten Network, and she has rapidly gained recognition as a promising talent within “The Worldwide Leader in Sports.”

Stephen A. Smith expressed his enthusiasm about Cornette’s new role, saying he is “thrilled” to welcome her to the team. “Hosting First Take is no easy assignment,” Smith noted. “It demands confidence, toughness, and genuine sports insight — qualities that Shae possesses in abundance. I’ve witnessed her handle the desk with both poise and passion on every occasion she’s hosted.”

Smith said he was ‘thrilled’ to have Cornette join the team. ‘Hosting First Take is no easy assignment. It requires confidence, toughness, and real sports insight — and Shae brings all of that and more,’ he said. ‘I’ve seen her command the desk with poise and passion every time she’s hosted.’

Cornette, meanwhile, said she feels ‘ready’ to take on the role. ‘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.’

She has worked as a host on SportsCenter and other ESPN shows – both on TV and radio. Cornette previously covered the Chicago Bears and, earlier this summer, she was forced to apologize after being pictured in a Green Bay Packers shirt at Lambeau Field.

But Cornette will now co-host First Take alongside Smith, who recently signed a new $100million contract and is among ESPN’s most prominent analysts. He is also an executive producer of the morning debate show.

Qerim, who took over as host from Cari Champion in 2015, confirmed her departure from First Take with a statement on social media. 

‘After much reflection, I’ve decided it’s time to close this incredible chapter and step away from First Take,’ she wrote.

‘Hosting this show has been one of the greatest honors of my career. Every morning, I had the privilege of sharing the desk with some of the most brilliant, passionate, and entertaining voices in sports — and with all of you, the best fans in the world. 

‘I’m so grateful for what this journey has given me: lifelong friendships, unforgettable memories, and the chance to be part of something truly special. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for welcoming me into your homes.’

A day later, long-time colleague Smith revealed that Qerim had, in fact, left ESPN altogether. 

The network’s President of Content, Burke Magnus, admitted that she had surprised them with the timing of her decision, but explained how they had recently failed to come to terms over a renewal.

Earlier this week, however, veteran ESPN broadcaster Chris ‘Mad Dog’ Russo claimed Qerim left the network because she likely felt ’embarrassed’ by her possible removal from First Take. 

‘I think they probably wanted to move her around a little bit and try something different,’ Russo said on the SI Media podcast this week.

‘Not that the ratings were bad, it’s just the nature of the beast. You’re on air forever, they like to make a change for making a change’s sake. 

‘I think they wanted to keep Molly with the network, and I don’t know if Molly wanted to do that. 

‘Because I think Molly probably looked at as, “If I’m not going to do First Take, I don’t want to do SportsCenter.” So she probably felt that that would be a demotion, I would assume.

‘I think she precipitated it. I think, probably, she felt embarrassed. I didn’t talk to her about the specifics of why she decided as soon as it was in the Sports Business Journal, but that’s what I’m thinking.

‘That she probably would have felt embarrassed if the world would have thought she was a lame duck and she was still doing the show.’

It comes just weeks after former ESPN star Marcellus Wiley claimed Qerim left because she was only earning $500k per year – despite First Take partner Smith raking in almost 40 times as much.

According to Wiley, who previously co-hosted the show ‘SportsNation’ with Qerim on ESPN, his former colleague felt ‘disrespected’ by her salary given that Smith recently agreed a new $20m-a-year contract.