Stephen A. Smith finally got what he wanted.
A new report suggests Stephen A. Smith may have been the motivating factor for getting Max Kellerman off ‘First Take.’ According to media insider Andrew Marchand, it was Stephen A. who wanted Max off the show, but he wanted it for something other than personal reasons. Smith just wanted a challenge.
“Since he has become a giant in the industry, his moves reverberate. Smith has wanted Kellerman off ‘First Take’ for years,” Marchand wrote. “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.”
Stephen A. is living it up this week as he wanted Kellerman gone and it happened. He also wanted to host a late-night talk show — and he filled in as host of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on Monday.
The 53-year-old has four years left on his five-year, $60 million contract.
After Bayless left for Fox Sports five years ago and Kellerman arrived, it was Smith’s show.
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Kellerman will go to ESPN Radio mornings, replacing Zubin Mehenti. Kellerman will be teamed with Keyshawn Johnson and Jay Williams, beginning next month. He will continue his once-a-week boxing program on ESPN2.
