Rumors are rife about Molly Qerim being fired at ESPN, making fans curious whether she has left the network. She has been associated with ESPN for years, covering esteemed NBA events and interviewing famous athletes. However, recent reports suggest that her criticism of a woman basketball player on First Take had put her job at risk. So, are the rumors true?
Here’s everything you need to know about ESPN allegedly firing Qerim.
Was Molly Qerim fired by ESPN?
The rumors are false. ESPN didn’t fire Qerim.
Rumors began spreading that Qerim was allegedly fired from ESPN following her controversial comments on basketball player Caitlin Clark. In June, Qerim expressed her thoughts on Clark being snubbed from the U.S. Team in the Paris Olympics.
Although Clark is a rookie player, her exceptional basketball skills and dominance on the court, backed by her records in pro season and twice triple-doubles, prove her excellence. However, many were disappointed when she wasn’t selected to represent the nation at the Olympic Games.
While co-host Stephen A. Smith argued that Clark’s snub shouldn’t have happened, Qerim had varying opinions. She said, “I believe it would have hurt the game more if she was put there in place of someone more deserving. I think it makes a mockery of the women’s game.” (via The Sun)
Moreover, she emphasized how it’s not good to include players that have garnered attention through marketing. She claimed they were not so talented and that including them might not make the best U.S. team for the Olympics.
Following this, fans of the WNBA’s top rookie, Clark, slammed Qerim for her controversial opinion. They were disappointed by her take and wanted her to apologize publicly for downgrading another woman. This backlash has ignited rumors about ESPN firing Qerim. However, these rumors hold no truth.
