This isn’t a big industry secret.
Everyone knew that Stephen A. made the final call on this, but I will say that Max wasn’t that broken up about it. Working with Smith can be a grind, and Max was more than willing to leave and do his own thing.
I can confirm the NY Post report that there was no beef or bad blood, just time for a change, and Stephen A. wants to be the main person on the show and in the spotlight at all times.
ESPN is Stephen A.’s world now. He wanted Max Kellerman off “First Take” — and now Kellerman is off “First Take.”
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.
Smith has told everyone who needs to know, including Kellerman, that it didn’t work well enough, according to sources. After Smith’s wishes were executed, a fault line from Bristol to New York followed.
Essentially Kellerman’s takes weren’t hot enough.
ESPN is bringing on Michael Irvin because he brings more passion and yelling to the show.
That is what they want, and that is what they believe their audience wants to see.
We shall see if that is true or not.
Many people claim not to like the screaming and the hot takes, but from what I can tell, they are lying because Stephen A. is trending at least once a week. Also, it is the reason that people like Kendrick Perkins are getting a bigger role at ESPN.
The Hot Take screaming era isn’t going away any time soon, so get used to it.
Only time will tell how long Max will last at ESPN since he doesn’t fit into that mode.
Flip the pages for the best of Max on First Take.