ESPN’s most recent shakeup, which resulted in Max Kellerman being taken off “First Take,” was apparently the doings of Stephen A. Smith.
Andrew Marchand of the New York Post reported that Smith has wanted Kellerman off “First Take” for years and finally got his wish, although it was nothing personal, just business.
The New York Post story details that Smith wanted more of a debating challenger, similar to his former counterpart, Skip Bayless, and the Kellerman’s personality did not fit the mold.
Smith apparently told everyone, including Kellerman, that the show was not working well enough and that the duo was not connecting with the audience.
Per Marchand, the 53-year-old Smith appears to be building toward a goal of hosting a late-night talk show, even filling in as a guest-host for “Jimmy Kimmel Live” on Monday night on ABC, which shares the same parent company in Disney.
Kellerman has been a part of the show ever since Bayless, who ESPN tried to lure back and reunite with Smith earlier this year, left for FS1 in 2016.
Kellerman will move to ESPN Radio in the mornings with Keyshawn Johnson and Jay Williams and will receive a daily TV show on ESPN in the afternoon.
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