Joy Taylor has opened up about Molly Qerim’s departure from ESPN’s “First Take.”

On the latest episode of The Bootleg Kev Podcast,  Taylor was asked about Qerim's sudden departure from the hit sport debate show. She acknowledged that the job is tough for women in the industry.

“She’s great, she’s done such a great job on that show,” Taylor explained. “And having done that job, having been a moderator… it is not an easy job,” 

Taylor, who previously served as a moderator for “Undisputed” with co-host Shannon Sharpe and Skip Bayless, when the show premiered in 2016, shared that it takes a lot to thrive in those spaces.

“It requires a lot of emotional intelligence, I will say, on top of being a great broadcaster and understanding the nuance of the business,” Taylor said. “She’s just so good at that. I hate to see her go off that show because she’s invaluable to how that works. I’m really interested to see who they replace her with, but she’s one of the best in the business. Whatever she does next, she’s gonna do a great job at. But I hate to see her go because she’s just so good at it.”

After hosting the show since 2015. Qerim, announced her exit from “First Take” while she was in contract negotiations with executives at ESPN.

"After much reflection, I've decided it's time to close this incredible chapter and step away from “First Take.” Hosting this show has been one of the greatest honors of my career,” Qerim wrote on her Instagram story. “Every morning, I had the privilege of sharing the desk with some of the most brilliant, passionate and entertaining voices in sports - and with all of you, the best fans in the world. I'm so grateful for what this journey has given me: lifelong friendships, unforgettable memories, and the chance to be part of something truly special.”