Update 08/20/2021 2:06pm:

ESPN's First Take host Stephen A. Smith responded to reports that co-host Max Kellerman may be removed from the show during an interview with "The Morning Hustle."

Previous reports claimed Kellerman would be removed from the debate show and would receive an expanded role at ESPN Radio. It was also rumored that he would receive his own potential television show, in addition to his current "Max on Boxing" show.

When asked about the reports, Stephen A. stated he was "not at liberty" to discuss if his co-host was departing or remaining on the show. He added that ESPN is handling the matter and called the reports of him and Max's personal issues "an absolute lie."

"I actually got a lot of love for the guy," Stephen A. responded. "I think that he's incredibly smart, he's intelligent and what have you. Any issues that we've had pertaining to the actual debate show, per se, it's some of the things that I've been very public about as well as he has."

He went on to describe his and Max's differing debate styles and tactics, and how they may viewers think there's a real problem between the two. Without confirming or denying the reports, Stephen A. declared his support for Max Kellerman no matter what ESPN decides.

"I can assure you that if he stays on the show, so be it. If he departs, it'll be because [ESPN] has other things that they want him to do, that he's more than qualified to do on an elevated level," he added. "And if he stays, he stays. If he goes, I wish him nothing but the best. You don't work with somebody for five years and never have any differences, but our differences were strictly as it pertains to a particular debate item that we may have tackled or whatever the case may be. He's a really good guy, he's always been a good guy, I'll always recognize him as being a good guy, and whether he works with me or not I'll always be there for him if he needs me."

Original 08/18/2021 8:28pm:

According to reports, Max Kellerman is expected to be relieved of his duties as a co-host on ESPN's First Take alongside Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim-Rose. 

Sources close to the situation say that Kellerman is likely to see his role expand on ESPN Radio and could potentially receive his own TV show. He will also continue to host his own boxing show on ESPN2. 

Front Office Sports reported that in the event Kellerman is let go from First Take, Stephen A. Smith would debate different analysts, writers, and former athletes on a rotational basis rather than a daily co-host/debate foe. 

Source: nypost.com