Stephen A. Smith is the biggest name in the United States when it comes to sports talk television. Alongside Skip Bayless, Smith completely revolutionized the sports debate format. Although some don't like what sports television has become, there is no denying Smith's influence. Overall, he has the journalistic credentials to speak out on various topics, and he is extremely entertaining as well. This has helped propel him to where he is now, and at this point, he is keeping the lights on over at ESPN.
When it comes to First Take, Stephen A. doesn't have a consistent debate partner anymore. Following the departure of Skip Bayless, Max Kellerman took over. However, after about five years, he began to overstay his welcome, at least in Smith's eyes. In September of 2021, he was let go from the show, and given his own platform with This Just In. At the time, Stephen A. made it clear that it was his decision to get Kellerman off of the show. Now, Smith is getting brutally honest about the ordeal.
Stephen A. Tells All
While speaking with former ESPN employee Dan LeBatard, Smith was asked about what went wrong with Kellerman. Simply put, Stephen A. did not feel like First Take was a show he wanted to do for years to come if Kellerman were to remain employed. "I don't want anybody to assume Max Kellerman doesn't work hard, Max Kellerman is a bad person, Max Kellerman is not somebody anybody should want to work with. That's not what that was about," Smith began. "It was about that a debate show requires certain things that I believe he did not bring to the table when it came to sitting opposite of me." Smith went on to reiterate that it was simply a chemistry issue and that Kellerman probably could have done a better job with someone like Marcellus Wiley.
Overall, this is perhaps the most in-depth analysis we have ever heard in regard to Smith's reasonings for getting Kellerman removed from First Take. However, there is no denying that some are still upset with the decision. Kellerman was known for having great takes, especially on the political side. That said, First Take continues to thrive, and ratings prove it. Let us know what you think of Stephen A.'s remarks, in the comments below.