Reason Behind Molly Qerim’s Mysterious Departure From ESPN’s “First Take” Has Finally Been Revealed

Molly Qerim (Photo via @mollyqerim/Instagram)
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.

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.

Phoenix Suns Shock Everybody By Sending Superstar Kevin Durant To NBA Heavyweight In Blockbuster Trade Proposal

Kevin Durant (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
A blockbuster trade proposal has the Phoenix Suns setting off fireworks across the NBA by dealing superstar Kevin Durant to a Western Conference juggernaut.

There’s no indication that the Suns are open to dealing Kevin Durant, or that the future Hall of Famer wants out. But the fact remains that Phoenix has one playoff series win in the KD era, and at 12-8 through 20 games, they don’t exactly resemble a championship contender.

If the Suns decide to shake up their All-Star core, Durant has to be the odd man out. Devin Booker isn’t going anywhere, and veteran guard Bradley Beal might have the most untradeable contract in the NBA.

Eddie Bitar of Fadeaway World proposed a mammoth trade idea that has Phoenix sending Kevin Durant back to the Golden State Warriors in exchange for Andrew Wiggins, Jonathan Kuminga, Gary Payton II, De’Anthony Melton and first-round picks in 2026 and 2029:

“The chemistry between Durant and Curry is unmatched, with the two feeding off each other’s strengths to devastate opposing defenses. If Durant’s time in Phoenix shows signs of stagnating, he could be motivated to initiate a trade to the Warriors—a team he knows will be ready to compete the moment he steps on the floor…

Most importantly, Durant’s departure could also allow Booker to further solidify his role as the franchise player, with Beal supporting him as an experienced scorer who has made the playoffs multiple times. The return for Durant would bring in a mix of young talent and future draft picks, potentially giving the Suns a balanced roster that can grow and adapt as Booker and Beal enter their prime. “