Stephen A. Smith wanted Max Kellerman off ESPN’s “First Take” to become a solo act and command higher pay. This revelation emerged publicly during Kellerman’s appearance on “The Bill Simmons Podcast” on December 2, 2025, breaking years of silence about their partnership split.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Max Kellerman and Stephen A. Smith partnered on “First Take” from 2016 to 2021 before their split
- Kellerman was removed from the show in 2021 after Smith pushed ESPN executives to make the change
- Smith confirmed in 2021 that he wanted Kellerman off the show, later admitting the partnership had become stale
- Kellerman believes Smith wanted to be perceived as a “solo act” to earn more money and maintain full control of the show’s direction
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Max Kellerman used boxing analogies to explain the fundamental incompatibility that led to the split. He said competing with Smith every day created friction that became counterproductive.
Kellerman explained, “If you’re doing a debate show and you’re a competitive person, why would you want me as a partner? That’s bad. You want to go 15 rounds every day with ‘Muhammad Kellerman’? That’s just bad. It’s embarrassing.” He believed Smith grew tired of the constant intellectual challenges.
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Kellerman articulated a calculation that motivated Smith’s decision. “If you can be perceived as a solo act, really, that you can get paid at a certain level that you can’t if you’re not a solo act, then you’d like to be a solo act, or at least perceived that way,” he said during the podcast.
This financial motivation resonates with entertainment industry dynamics where singular personalities command premium contracts. Smith, as the show’s primary anchor and executive producer, could position himself as the irreplaceable talent worth more money by becoming the sole central figure.
How Stephen A. Smith Confirmed the Breakup Story
| Timeline Element | What Stephen A. Smith Said |
| September 2021 | Admitted to wanting Kellerman off the show due to partnership problems |
| 2023 | Claimed the show had become “stale” and “flatlined” with Kellerman |
| 2024 | Said “chemistry” was the real issue, admitting it was “mostly my fault” |
| Ongoing | Pointed to improved show performance with other co-hosts as proof |
Stephen A. Smith has publicly confirmed multiple times that he pushed ESPN leadership to remove Kellerman from “First Take.” During a Hot 97 interview in September 2021, Smith stated directly: “Yes, I did want him off the show. We just didn’t have a great partnership anymore. It needed to change.”
Two years later, Smith revisited the topic on “The Joe Budden Podcast” in 2023, claiming the show had become “stale” and needed new energy. He emphasized his concern about “First Take” slipping from its position as the number one sports talk show.
Expert Perspective: Marcellus Wiley’s Corroboration
Former ESPN colleague Marcellus Wiley, who worked alongside Kellerman on “SportsNation” and has been publicly critical of Smith, echoed Kellerman’s analysis during a recent update.
Wiley stated: “Max is so smart that when you talk, if you’re not standing 10 toes down on what you’re talking about, it creates tension over hours of content. Most people in this industry you can go toe-to-toe with, you can fluff with, you can go deep with, but when it comes to that, there’s also an ego at play.” This assessment suggests Smith’s competitive nature clashed with Kellerman’s intellectual rigor.
What Happens Now After Five Years of Silence?
Max Kellerman transitioned to “Keyshawn, JWill & Max” after his “First Take” exit in 2021, but that program was ultimately canceled in 2023, leading to his complete departure from ESPN. Meanwhile, Stephen A. Smith continued hosting “First Take” with rotating guest co-hosts including Michael Irvin and Tim Tebow.
In October 2025, ESPN announced that Shae Cornette would replace Molly Qerim as “First Take’s” new host. Cornette’s first show with Smith aired on November 3, 2025, marking yet another significant format change for the show that has continued evolving years after Kellerman’s departure.
Sources
- Yahoo Sports – Max Kellerman reveals real reason for removal from First Take
- VIBE – Max Kellerman Breaks Silence on Stephen A. Smith and ESPN Drama
- Times of India – Max Kellerman reveals how Stephen A. Smith ended their partnership
Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.