Max Kellerman publicly addressed his contentious split wiht Stephen A. Smith and his subsequent departure from ESPN during a recent appearance on The Bill Simmons Podcast,offering insight into the dynamic that led to the end of his partnership with Smith on first Take. The interview marks Kellerman’s most extensive commentary to date on the highly publicized professional rift.
The breakdown of Kellerman and Smith’s on-air relationship, a staple of ESPN’s morning programming for years, has been a subject of industry speculation. Their frequently enough-heated debates drew significant viewership,but reportedly created friction behind the scenes. Kellerman’s departure from ESPN in 2023, following the cancellation of Keyshawn, JWill & Max, further fueled discussion about the circumstances surrounding his exit. This new account provides a direct perspective from Kellerman himself, clarifying the factors that contributed to the unraveling of his ESPN tenure.
According to Wiley, who has collaborated with both smith and Kellerman, Smith’s discomfort stemmed from Kellerman’s analytical approach. “Max is a whole different animal than most players. 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,” Wiley stated.
smith himself has acknowledged initiating the move to remove Kellerman from First Take, admitting he advocated for the change to ESPN leadership. This ultimately ended their partnership in 2021. Following First Take,Kellerman hosted Keyshawn,JWill & max,which was canceled in 2023,leading to his exit from the network.
Kellerman’s full appearance on The Bill Simmons Podcast can be viewed here.
