Qerim, Smith Return to ESPN First Take Amid Sharpe Absence, Lawsuit Settlement

Molly Qerim and Stephen A. Smith have returned to ESPN's First Take following a nearly month-long break after the 2024-25 NBA season, with Smith appearing remotely and Qerim on-site at the new Hudson Square studios. Their return coincides with the start of the 2025-26 NFL training camps, bringing renewed energy to the show alongside analysts like Ryan Clark, Andrew Hawkins, and Mike Tannenbaum. However, Shannon Sharpe remains absent amid ongoing legal issues stemming from a sexual assault lawsuit filed by a woman identified as Jane Doe. Sharpe has denied the allegations and described the lawsuit as a "shakedown," but recently, a settlement was reached between the parties, leading to dismissal of the case. Meanwhile, First Take is undergoing programming shifts, moving to ESPN2 on Thursdays and Fridays due to other sports coverage, which may affect the presence of Qerim and Smith on those days. Fans have expressed excitement about the duo's return, which revives the show's dynamic after a summer hiatus.