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Report sheds light on why ESPN removed Max Kellerman from ‘First Take’
By Adam Spencer
Published:
ESPN is making a big change to one of its biggest morning programs, “First Take.”
Recent reports have said cohost Max Kellerman is leaving the show, leaving fellow cohost Stephen A. Smith to debate a rotating group of guest hosts.
So, what caused the split between Smith and Kellerman? Per Andrew Marchand of the New York Post, Smith was the one who wanted Kellerman off the show. And, since he is one of ESPN’s highest-paid employees, he got his way:
Since he has become a giant in the industry, his moves reverberate. Smith has wanted Kellerman off “First Take” for years. Though it wasn’t personal, according to sources, Kellerman has a “smartest guy in the room” attitude, and Smith wanted more of a debating challenger. And ultimately, he wanted it to be him versus the world.
The report makes it clear this “wasn’t personal,” but when someone comes after your job, it seems pretty personal.
Kellerman is staying on with ESPN and will move to ESPN Radio in the mornings with Keyshawn Johnson and Jay Williams.
It remains to be seen who will rotate in alongside Smith as guest hosts, but it sounds like he won’t let anyone get too big alongside him.
Adam is a daily fantasy sports (DFS) and sports betting expert. A 2012 graduate of the University of Missouri, Adam now covers all 16 SEC football teams. He is the director of DFS, evergreen and newsletter content across all Saturday Football brands.
