Stephen A. Smith and Shannon Sharpe join Molly Qerim in First Take’s absence as ESPN announces move to new channel

That all changed for ESPN’s First Take over the summer.

Top analysts Stephen A. Smith and Shannon Sharpe are taking a short break from the popular sports debate show.

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Smith and NFL Hall of Famer Sharpe are enjoying the holidays after a grueling few months.

Stephen A. took on the unlikely role of moderator during Monday’s show, with regular host Molly Qerim absent.

“Christine Williamson was supposed to host the show today,” he told ESPN viewers.

“But I just found out she can’t do that – so I’ll be the presenter today.

“This isn’t Molly’s world. This isn’t Christine’s world. This is Stephen A.’s world.

“There are rules and regulations to follow.”

Smith revealed that he and Sharpe were on their “last day” before leaving for their summer holidays.

“Molly beat us to it,” Smith laughed, eliciting laughter from Sharpe.

None of the analysts confirmed how long they will spend away from the program.

The move comes as First Take temporarily moves from ESPN to its former home at ESPN 2.

ESPN’s comprehensive coverage of the Wimbledon tennis championships means its schedule for the next fortnight will be affected.

First Take’s sister show Get Up has also been moved to ESPN 2 in a programming change.

While The Pat McAfee Show will be canceled for the next two weeks as the former NFL punter takes a well-deserved break.

Stephen A.’s vacation couldn’t come at a better time for the 56-year-old, who admits he’s “really tired” after a grueling NBA postseason.

Smith jokingly begged the Boston Celtics to beat the Dallas Mavericks in the Finals so he could enjoy his vacation last month.

Stephen A. Smith’s journey through the media

STEPHEN A. Smith is now the face of ESPN and executive producer of First Take, having initially started working for the company in 2003.

Smith has held numerous roles at the network, including radio show host, contributions to SportsCenter and appearance on NBA Countdown.

He was a columnist for the Philadelphia Inquirer from 1994 to 2010.

He started as an NBA writer before becoming a general sports columnist.

Prior to that, Smith worked as a reporter at the Winston-Salem Journal, the Greensboro News and the New York Daily News.

The fan favorite is currently eyeing a new deal with ESPN.

Sharpe signed his own four-year extension with the sports network in June.

Stephen A. reportedly wants to become ESPN’s highest-paid analyst.

He’s pushing for a $25 million-a-year deal, per Puck.news.

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