Molly Qerim and Stephen A. Smith are two of the biggest names at ESPN, as hosts of the popular debate show First Take. For years now, rumors have swirled about whether these two television personalities are more than just colleagues. Are Molly and Stephen dating behind the scenes? Or is it all just speculation and gossip? Let’s take a deep dive into the ongoing conjecture surrounding Qerim and Smith’s relationship status.
How Did The Dating Rumors Start in The First Place?
Rumblings of a secret romance between Qerim and Smith first kicked off after Molly’s very public divorce from former NBA player and ESPN analyst Jalen Rose in 2021. The former couple had been married for just three years. Immediately after the split, fans began gossiping that Stephen A. was the reason behind it.
Of course, both parties denied that was the case. But Stephen and Molly’s flirty on-screen banter on First Take continued to fuel assumptions there was a real attraction underneath it all. Every wink, smile or compliment between them sends the rumor mill into overdrive.

Adding gasoline to the fire, Jalen Rose made cryptic comments that seemed to hint at a relationship between the two hosts in interviews after his divorce. So could Molly’s ex-husband know something we don’t?
Did Jalen Rose Just Spill The Beans?
In a 2022 GQ profile, Jalen was asked point blank if Qerim left him for Smith. Rose denied that was the reason for their divorce but also made vague statements like “I got love for both of them. We still 100.”
Many interpreted remarks like this as Jalen giving Molly and Stephen his blessing. But blessing for what exactly? While Jalen says he remains close with his ex-wife and Smith, he never fully shut down the dating speculation.
The plot thickened when Jalen admitted on a podcast that there were things agreed to be kept private between the three of them. If Stephen and Molly are just friends, why all the secrecy? Rose’s ambiguous comments kept the are-they-or-aren’t-they mystery afloat.
No Shortage of Flirty Moments Caught on Camera
From the very first day Qerim took over First Take’s moderator chair in 2015, her chemistry with Stephen A. was undeniable. Their playful rapport makes for great television. But sometimes their exchanges seem to cross over into flirting territory.

Like the time Stephen A. told Molly “You look ravishing, absolutely ravishing” in a form-fitting red dress. Or the frequent, affectionate compliments about each other’s appearance in general. Molly is often reciprocating the flattery too.
During intense debates, they also have a habit of locking eyes for extended periods. And subtle touches like Stephen squeezing Molly’s arm to reassure her have definitely raised eyebrows. There’s no hot mic slip up confirming a romance yet, but their body language screams compatibility to many viewers.
The Instagram Trail Offers More Clues
Like any good digital detectives, fans have analyzed Qerim and Smith’s social media presence for any clues about a secret relationship. And some revealing breadcrumbs have been found there.
For one, they follow each other on Instagram, which on its own isn’t noteworthy. But eagle-eyed fans have noticed the frequent liking and commenting on each other’s posts. Smith leaves flirty emojis and compliments, especially on Qerim’s bikini vacation pics. She returns the favor praising his fitness photos.
And the two TV hosts have been photographed hanging out together off-set too. From sitting side-by-side at sporting events, to Smith making an appearance at Qerim’s birthday party, it seems they spend a good deal of free time together as well. That level of closeness keeps the dating rumors churning.
The Never-Ending Rumor Mill
Despite all the speculation and circumstantial evidence, the truth is no one knows for sure if Molly Qerim and Stephen A. Smith are an item. With every coy look or social media flirtation, the gossip revs up again that they’re madly in love.

But both continue to play it coy. They intentionally leave fans guessing about the nature of their relationship. And they clearly enjoy the attention it brings.
Until Qerim or Smith outright confirm they are dating, everything else is merely a rumor. Plenty of coworkers have flirty friendships without it crossing the line into romance. But one thing is certain – the rumor mill linking these two is going to keep on churning.
Molly Qerim & Stephen A Smith Relationship Speculations: Are They or Aren’t They?
They have undeniable chemistry. Social media shows they spend time together off-air. Her ex-husband made suspicious comments. And yet…there’s still no smoking gun evidence that Molly Qerim and Stephen Anthony Smith are actually a couple.
It’s a question that may never have a definitive answer unless one of them addresses it publicly. And both seem content keeping fans guessing. But anyone who watches them together can see there is a special intimate connection between Qerim and Smith, whether platonically or romantically.
Conclusion:
- Rumors of a relationship between ESPN hosts Molly Qerim and Stephen A. Smith emerged after her divorce from Jalen Rose.
- Jalen Rose made vague comments hinting at Smith and Qerim dating, though he denies she left him for Smith.
- Flirty on-screen interactions and social media activity fuel speculation about their closeness.
- But neither Qerim nor Smith has ever confirmed they are in a romantic relationship.
- The rumors will likely continue unless one of them sets the record straight publicly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are Molly Qerim and Stephen A. Smith dating?
There is no such proof that molly qerim and stephen a smith are in a relationship, its just another rumors.
2. When did the dating rumors about Qerim and Smith start?
After her divorce from Jalen Rose in 2021
3. What has Jalen Rose said about Molly Qerim and Stephen A Smith’s rumored relationship?
Vague comments hinting at a relationship but not confirming.
4. How do Molly and Stephen act together on First Take?
Flirty banter and visible on-screen chemistry.
5. Is Molly Qerim in a Relationship with Stephen A. Smith?
No, its just another rumour.
6. Do they spend time together outside of working on First Take?
Yes, they’ve been photographed together off-air at events.
7. Have either Molly or Stephen directly addressed the dating speculation?
No, they avoid confirming or denying it.