Stephen A. Smith Claims Cari Champion Asked To Return To ‘First Take’ Immediately After Molly Qerim’s Exit

Stephen A. Smith Claims Cari Champion Asked To Return To ‘First Take’ Immediately After Molly Qerim’s Exit

Stephen A. Smith is claiming Cari Champion wasted no time expressing interest in returning to her old seat on ESPN’s First Take following Molly Qerim’s departure.

During an appearance on Cari Champion and Jemele Hill’s Flagrant & Funny podcast, Stephen A. recalled what he says happened immediately after news broke that Molly was leaving the popular sports debate show. According to Stephen A., Cari reached out to him and made her intentions pretty clear.

“We need to talk. I need to be back in that seat,”

Stephen A. recalled Cari allegedly telling him. His claim prompted Cari and Jemele to break out in laughter. Cari previously served as moderator of First Take from 2012 until 2015, working alongside Stephen A. and Skip Bayless before moving on to other roles at ESPN. Molly later became the show’s longtime moderator. *who do you believe?*

video: @flagrantandfunny