FANS fear Stephen A Smith has sensationally quit First Take after claims a new era has begun.
The ESPN star is apparently out as a regular on the popular sports show if Chris Russo, aka Mad Dog, is to be believed.
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Smith has been missing from First Take on vacation with fans joking about the amount of time he spends off.
And Russo dropped a bombshell on Wednesday's show that left fans fearing for his future.
He began the show by saying: "A new era of First Take has begun. There's no more Stephen A. It is me and a rotation of hosts.
"We begin today and take it the next five or six years. We will do this show the way it is supposed to be done."
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But host Molly Qerim said Smith will be on the show and he's not gone just yet.
Russo joked: "Is he really? Who made that decision? I make editorial decisions from now on. Out.
And Qerim replied: You might be here more, but not quite yet."
Smith dialed into First Take on Wednesday at the top of the second hour of the show for a debate on James Harden.
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He missed the entire first hour with Russo and Qerim joined by Amber Wilson and Harry Douglas.
Smith then interviewed boxer Jermell Charlo during the show - claiming he's come back from vacation for it.
The U.S. Sun understands Smith is only on vacation and remains part of First Take, despite Russo's claims.
One fan tweeted: "Wtf they mean no more Stephen A Smith on HIS show?"
Another said: "No more Stephen A Smith on First Take. Way to ruin my mornings."
While a third wrote: "First Take without Stephen A Smith this show is hard to watch."
ESPN recently announced a number of changes to their NBA coverage for the season.
Smith appeared as an analyst on the network during the 2022-23 season.
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And he's also back on NBA Countdown alongside new host Malika Andrews.
The sportscaster spent a lot of time appearing on First Take virtually as he juggles NBA assignments with the daily role.
