ESPN Shakes Up 'First Take' with a Surprising New Host—But Is It the Right Move?
In a move that’s already sparking conversations across the sports world, ESPN has officially named Shae Cornette as the new host of First Take, replacing the long-time anchor Molly Qerim. But here’s where it gets controversial: Qerim’s departure wasn’t exactly a smooth transition. After a decade at the helm, she abruptly left the show and the network last month, leaving fans and insiders alike scratching their heads. Was it a mutual decision, or did something behind the scenes push her out the door? And this is the part most people miss: ESPN’s president of content, Burke Magnus, had hinted that Qerim might stay with the network in a different role, but the sudden announcement of her departure flipped the script entirely.
Qerim’s emotional Instagram post the night of her exit shed some light on her decision, though it left plenty of room for speculation. “Hosting this show has been one of the greatest honors of my career,” she wrote, reflecting on her time alongside Stephen A. Smith and a rotating cast of analysts. “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.” Yet, despite her heartfelt words, the timing of her exit remains a mystery. Magnus admitted, “The one thing that was unexpected was the timing of all this. Once the report broke, it kind of got out of our respective controls.”
During the month-long tryout period to find Qerim’s replacement, several in-house talents stepped up to the plate, including Amina Smith, MJ Acosta Ruiz, Courtney Cronin, and Joe Fortenbaugh. But it was Shae Cornette, currently an anchor for the afternoon editions of SportsCenter, who ultimately won the gig. At 39, Cornette brings a fresh perspective to the show, though her appointment isn’t without its skeptics. Bold question: Can she fill Qerim’s shoes, or will the dynamic of First Take shift dramatically under her leadership?
Cornette’s journey to this role is no less impressive. Starting her career with the Big Ten Network and later as a Bears reporter for Fox 32, she’s no stranger to the highs and lows of the industry. In a recent interview with Moffly Lifestyle Media, she shared, “This business is hard and can be a roller coaster, you just have to enjoy the ride because there are going to be ups and downs. Hosting SportsCenter at 2 p.m. is truly a dream job.” Now, she’s stepping into an even bigger spotlight, one that comes with its own set of challenges and expectations.
Adding another layer to this story is Cornette’s personal life. Married to Jordan Cornette, a former Notre Dame basketball star turned college basketball analyst for NBC and upcoming NBA sideline reporter, the couple has two children together. Is this a case of nepotism, or does Cornette’s talent genuinely speak for itself? It’s a question that’s bound to divide opinions.
As First Take moves forward with its new host, one thing is clear: change is inevitable, but how fans and critics alike will respond remains to be seen. What do you think? Is Shae Cornette the right choice, or should ESPN have looked outside the network for fresh talent? Let us know in the comments—this is one debate that’s just getting started.
