Stephen A. Smith Reveals Why He Wanted Max Kellerman Off ESPN’s First Take
Nearly two years after Max Kellerman’s departure from ESPN’s First Take, Stephen A. Smith has finally opened up about why he wanted his co-host off the show. Kellerman had been hosting the debate show alongside Smith and Molly Qerim Rose since July 2016, but left in September 2021 due to chemistry issues with Smith. During a recent appearance on the Dan Le Batard Show, Smith shared more details about why he wanted to move on from Kellerman.
Smith clarified that his decision to part ways with Kellerman was not because he was a bad person or didn’t work hard. Instead, it was because a debate show requires certain things that he believed Kellerman did not bring to the table when sitting opposite him. Smith stated that he and Kellerman did not work for him, and it was not a show he wanted to be a part of.
Consistency in Smith’s Stance
Smith has remained consistent in his stance about the pair’s decision to part ways. He has never spoken ill of Kellerman and has always maintained that it was a professional decision. Smith’s recent comments on the Dan Le Batard Show further reinforce this stance and provide more insight into why he wanted Kellerman off the show.
It remains to be seen who will replace Kellerman on First Take, but Smith’s comments suggest that he is looking for someone who can bring the necessary qualities to the table for a successful debate show.
Overall, Smith’s comments shed more light on the situation surrounding Kellerman’s departure from First Take. While it may have been a difficult decision, Smith’s commitment to maintaining a successful debate show ultimately led to the decision to part ways with Kellerman.
Keywords: Stephen A. Smith, Max Kellerman, ESPN, First Take, debate show, chemistry issues, professional decision.
