What Happened with Max Kellerman and Stephen A Smith? Did Stephen A Smith Get Fired?
by Kowsalya
Updated Jul 05, 2023
What Happened with Max Kellerman and Stephen A Smith?
Nearly two years after Max Kellerman's departure from ESPN's 'First Take,' Stephen A. Smith has provided further insight into why he wanted Kellerman off the show.
In September 2021, Kellerman, who had co-hosted First Take with Stephen A. and Molly Qerim Rose since July 2016, left the program due to issues with Smith. Stephen A. has consistently addressed their decision to part ways. During a recent appearance on the Dan Le Batard Show, Smith revealed more details about his reasons for wanting to make a change.
Smith clarified that his desire to move on from Kellerman was not a reflection of Kellerman's work ethic, character, or personal qualities. Rather, it stemmed from Smith's belief that a debate show requires certain elements that he felt Kellerman did not bring to the table when sitting across from him.
According to Smith, the issue between them boiled down to chemistry and compatibility. "For me, Max Kellerman and I did not work together," Smith explained. "It was not a show I wanted to be a part of." Smith's complete explanation can be seen in the accompanying tweet.
Did Stephen A Smith Get Fired?
It appears that Stephen A. Smith, who reportedly earns $12 million annually at ESPN, remains secure in his position amidst the network's ongoing layoffs. However, he has expressed concerns and hinted at the possibility of being next in line for a potential firing. Smith has been vocal about the recent departures of his colleagues and friends, expressing genuine sadness about the situation.
While he acknowledges the impact of the layoffs, it is unlikely that such a prominent figure will be pushed out. Smith emphasizes the importance of not taking anything for granted, particularly as a person of color, and reflects on his own experiences of being let go by the Inquirer and ESPN in the past.
He has since built a successful empire around himself, with opportunities beyond broadcasting, such as acting and even political involvement, on the horizon. Despite the uncertainty, Smith remains vigilant and never assumes his safety or comfort in his current role at ESPN.
Who is Max Kellerman?
Max Kellerman is an American sports television personality and boxing commentator who gained prominence for his work in the sports media industry.
He recently concluded his tenure at ESPN on June 30, 2023, where he served as the host of This Just In with Max Kellerman and co-hosted Keyshawn, JWill and Max on ESPN Radio. Prior to this, he was widely recognized as a co-host of the popular ESPN talk show First Take alongside Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim.
Max Kellerman also had a notable stint as the co-host of the sports radio talk show Max & Marcellus, featuring Marcellus Wiley, on ESPNLA. In his extensive career, Kellerman served as the host of ESPN's panel talk show Around the Horn from 2002 to 2004 and co-hosted the entertaining sports comedy talk show SportsNation from 2013 to 2016, alongside Wiley and Michelle Beadle.
Additionally, he showcased his expertise as a studio commentator on Friday Night Fights alongside Brian Kenny, as well as a color commentator for HBO World Championship Boxing and Boxing After Dark.
NAME
Max Kellerman
DATE OF BIRTH
August 6, 1973
AGE
49
BORN COUNTRY
New York City, New York, U.S.
OCCUPATIONS
sports television personality and boxing commentator.
SPOUSE
Erin Manning
CHILDREN
3
Who is Stephen A Smith?
Stephen Anthony Smith is a well-known American sports television personality, sports radio host, and sports journalist. Renowned for his contributions to ESPN, he is a prominent NBA analyst, regularly appearing on shows like SportsCenter, NBA Countdown, and various NBA broadcasts.
Smith has also hosted his own show, The Stephen A. Smith Show, on ESPN Radio and is a notable commentator on ESPN's First Take, where he shares the screen with Molly Qerim. Apart from his on-air presence, Smith is recognized as a featured columnist for ESPN as well as The Philadelphia Inquirer, showcasing his expertise in sports journalism.
NAME
Stephen A. Smith
DATE OF BIRTH
October 14, 1967
AGE
55
BORN COUNTRY
The Bronx, New York, U.S.
OCCUPATIONS
Sports television personalitysports radio hostsports journalist
CHILDREN
2
What Happened with Max Kellerman and Stephen A Smith-FAQs
Nearly two years after Max Kellerman's departure from ESPN's 'First Take,' Stephen A. Smith has provided further insight into why he wanted Kellerman off the show.
It appears that Stephen A. Smith, who reportedly earns $12 million annually at ESPN, remains secure in his position amidst the network's ongoing layoffs.
Max Kellerman, born on August 6, 1973, is an American sports television personality and boxing commentator who gained prominence for his work in the sports media industry.
Stephen Anthony Smith, born on October 14, 1967, is a well-known American sports television personality, sports radio host, and sports journalist.