MOLLY Qerim is reportedly mulling over multiple options following her shock First Take exit, The U.S. Sun can exclusively reveal.
The 41-year-old announced she was leaving the sports network after 19 years on Wednesday, sending her fans into meltdown.
Molly Qerim quit ESPN after 19 years with a close pal stressing friction with First Take co-star Stephen A. Smith was a contributing factor[/caption]
The U.S Sun has been told the popular 41 year-old has been inundated with job offers[/caption]
PLENTY OF OPTIONS
But the TV favorite won’t be away from the spotlight for long.
A well-placed source, who is very close to Qerim, has told The U.S. Sun that the offers have been flooding in since the news broke earlier this week.
The insider says ESPN’s rival Fox has already been in touch about her covering NFL, college football, as well as some high-profile NCAA basketball action.
The U.S. Sun understands a $2 million, three-year deal plus bonus add-ons is in the works.
There is also a chance of hosting some of Fox’s sports shows, with the network reportedly keen to snap to invest in the best female talent to lead their programming.
“They view her as a star,” the source told The U.S. Sun.
We also understand there could be opportunities to work on podcasts, with sponsors already queuing up for a piece of the action.
Qerim has been in the First Take hot-seat since 2016. But as extensively reported by The U.S. Sun, friction sparked behind-the-scenes by Stephen A. Smith has continued to cause issues.
“She wants to be the main host and leader of the show,” added the friend, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
“She has reached a point where she no longer wants to continue with the show, finding the situation and overall atmosphere at First Take unbearable. Ultimately, she has decided to do what is best for her.”
NEW CAREER PATHS
There are also opportunities to bring in some big bucks for public appearances and even appear as a motivational speaker.
The insider claims Qerim has been offered between $50,000 to $100,000 for events at offices and venues across America.
Burke Magnus, ESPN’s president of content, admitted they’ll be holding on-air auditions in the coming weeks.
Magnus said Qerim was set to quit the network at the end of the year, with her contract due to expire, but has admitted there were talks about roles away from the popular sports show.
The insider, however, said the discussions “didn’t go well” and an exit was due to “a lack of consideration from the network’s leadership.”
“The offer wasn’t what she felt was fair, “ added the friend. “She was disappointed, feeling disrespected after all the years she dedicated to the show and everything she had contributed.”
Qerim, 41, revealed the news herself on Instagram — but only after it leaked earlier than she’d planned.
“Now that the news came out earlier than I intended, and not in the way I hoped…” she wrote. “After much reflection, I’ve decided it’s time to close this incredible chapter and step away from First Take.”
Stephen A. has taken the reins of First Take, while the search for Qerim’s replacement continues.
Magnus told The Athletic that the process of trying out hosts could take “30 to 45 days.”
The U.S. Sun has reached out to Qerim for comment.
Stephen A. Smith is in the First Take hot-seat while Qerim’s replacement is found[/caption]
