Molly Qerim abruptly absent from First Take again with Stephen A Smith also missing amid Shannon Sha

Publish date: 2024-05-09

MOLLY Qerim was missing from First Take again Friday amid rumors about Shannon Sharpe joining the show.

The ESPN host was abruptly absent from the sports debate show to end the week.

Christine Williamson filled in as host alongside Amber Wilson, Kimberley A Martin and Bart Scott.

Molly took the day off as she often does on a Friday.

Stephen A Smith also remains absent amid rumors that Shannon Sharpe is joining the show.

Smith is on vacation and recently had fans worried he quit First Take.

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It came after Chris Russo, aka Mad Dog, claimed it was a "new era" for the show with no more Stephen A.

But The U.S. Sun understands Smith is still part of the show and Molly confirmed he would be back next week.

She held the fort again this week without him before taking Friday off.

Earlier this week, the New York Post reported that NFL Hall of Fame tight end Sharpe will make weekly appearances on First Take.

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The 55-year-old has been lined up to join the show on Mondays and Tuesdays during the NFL season.

But Stephen A. has disclosed that former Undisputed co-host Sharpe has yet to sign on the dotted line.

"Recent reports have Shannon Sharpe coming to First Take," Stephen A. said on his podcast.

"I have a smile on my face. It's a beautiful smile on my face.

"Because we all know it's something that I want, it's something I've declared.

"I respect Shannon, I like Shannon, I think he'd be a tremendous asset to the show.

"It would be great to have him but here's the issue...we don't.

"Shannon Sharpe has yet to sign on the dotted line to be a member of First Take.

"It has not happened yet."

Stephen A. remains extremely positive that the deal will soon be agreed, though.

"I'm still confident it will happen. I still believe it will happen. I think it needs to happen," he added.

"And I have no doubt that I'm going to exhaust any means I have available to me to make it happen."

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