A 2008 December ESPN article had this as its lead sentence: “Call me an old soul, but I’m not A Guy who gets spit at then smiles when told it’s raining.” Any guesses as to who the author is? Well, there is only one ESPN daredevil who would have the guts to start off like this – Stephen A. Smith. If you still have doubts about whether this personality or attitude is something he worked on, well, the outspoken analyst has an answer to that, too.

“My mother says I came out of the womb talking,” he said in a 2019 GQ interview.

There are not many who can handle the man’s fiery personality. Except one. And that’s none other than Molly Qerim. The chemistry between Stephen A. and Molly is undeniable. As co-hosts of ESPN’s First Take, they deliver some of the most engaging sports commentary on TV. Their on-air dynamic has sparked rumors over the years, particularly when they’ve been seen wearing matching outfits or sharing lighthearted moments. But does that mean there’s something more going on behind the scenes?

Is Stephen A. Smith dating Molly Qerim? ESPN host speaks about the rumors around him

Earlier this year, the dating rumors surrounding Smith and Qerim reached a peak during an episode of First Take. While discussing their matching white outfits, fellow host Chris Russo jokingly pointed out that they looked like a married couple. Needless to say, it sparked even more speculation as to the true nature of their relationship.

In fact, these rumors had gotten so out of hand that even Russo was pelted with questions as to the alleged couple’s whereabouts! Stephen A., however, quickly shut it down. “There’s nothing going on. America’s been lying about that for years,” Smith explained.

With a chuckle, he went on to acknowledge that their shared style was just a happy coincidence. “Here’s the upside to all of that: they know my taste. So, therefore, they know that’s a compliment to her. And, obviously, she has great taste as well, so I guess that’s America’s way of saying we both really, really look good.”

Molly, for her part too, joined in, agreeing that the rumors were simply hilarious and exaggerated. But that wasn’t all. The 40-year-old found it truly amusing how quickly people believed them, despite the lack of any real evidence. Moreover, the pair also highlighted their strong on-screen chemistry played a role in First Take’s ongoing success, aside from, of course, the content.

Was Stephen A. Smith ever married?

Now that we have a clear understanding of Molly and Stephen A., why don’t we turn our attention to the former’s personal life? He and Qerim might not have anything other than a cordial, professional relationship, but that did not mean Smith didn’t have his own twists and turns in life.

In the above-mentioned GQ interview with Drew Magary, the 57-year-old opened up about his marriage. Well, he wasn’t particularly chatty, except for revealing a few choice details. Stephen A. confessed that he was engaged once, but it did not come full circle. When asked why it did not, the Bronx native had his typical response: “None of my [the interviewer’s] damn business.” 

And by extension, ours.

Perhaps to soften the blow, Stephen A. Smith further said, “It didn’t work out. Matter of fact, I just told my sister that the other day: none of your business.” Seeing the avenue for getting the information from a different angle, Magary queried what exactly his sister asked him.

His response? “Something about my job and my money. I said this is not a discussion. You’ll get an answer if I want to give you an answer.” Well … yeah, that’s about it.

Just kidding! The man might have been tight-lipped about his private matters, but he definitely was more joyous when the topic shifted to fatherhood.

Who are Stephen A. Smith’s kids? A look into the private life of his daughters

When I said Smith was happy talking about his kids, it did not mean that he suddenly just poured his heart out. The father of two was careful in revealing the little-known details of his daughters. If you remember, Stephen A. revealed that he was a Dad to two girls – Samantha and Nyla – in 2019! They were 10 and 11 by then.

Like grains of truth slipping through a sieve, Smith carefully divulged a glimpse into his life as a father, revealing how being a ‘girl (s) dad’ has deeply influenced him. “My daughters are everything to me,” Smith said in an appearance on The Breakfast Club, revealing how they gave him a “new lease on life,” particularly in helping him cope with the tough loss of the death of his mother, Janet Smith.

But things are never that simple when one has daughters. And that’s clear from his next remark about the dual nature of fatherhood. “It’s a blessing. But that love is also a curse, because you’re never, ever, ever at peace,” he stated; a sentiment no doubt all those girl dads can completely relate to!

But he wouldn’t have it any other way. “I make sure that they are taken care of first. [My mom] was proud of the father I am and I’m very happy and proud of the father I am.”

The real Stephen A. Smith

Though rumors about Molly Qerim may persist, he continues to be very clear about his personal boundaries. Stephen A.’s love for his girls shines through in every word he speaks about them. Despite his high-profile career and the public’s fascination with his personal life, Smith has always maintained a level of privacy and a deep focus on what truly matters to him—his family.

As for First Take, it’s clear that Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim will keep entertaining us with their sharp wit and chemistry—platonic or not. Their banter may fuel the rumors, but only they know the truth, and they’re both perfectly content keeping it that way.