Stephen A. Smith appeared on Hot 97 Thursday and detailed Max Kellerman's departure from ESPN's First Take. After weeks of speculation and rumors hinting that Kellerman's former co-host was behind his removal, Stephen A. admitted to wanting him off the show.
"The rumor's accurate in terms of me wanting him off the show. Let's get that out the way -- yes, I did," Stephen A. said to Ebro and Peter Rosenberg. "We don't have a bad relationship. I think he's a real good guy, I appreciate what he did for the show, we were number one for five years, we stayed number one, and I appreciate that."
Stephen A. continued by explaining that the chemistry between him and Max "stalled" after five years and thousands of hot takes. He stated that he felt that the show needed to "refresh" and "retool" in order to remain the top sports debate show. He also added that he didn't want Max fired from ESPN altogether and knew his former co-host would find a better and more lucrative spot on the network.
"It wasn't really about asking him to be off the show, it was about the fact that I knew that we, together -- as far as I was concerned -- was not a great partnership anymore and that was something that needed to change," Stephen A. explained.
He said he was "flabbergasted" by the public's reaction to Kellerman's departure, stating that in order to remain on top "you don't stand still." Stephen A. also revealed that he told Max and ESPN executives that a change needed to be made three years ago while noting that Max has always disagreed with his stance.
Skip to 1:30 in the above clip to hear Stephen A's full explanation.
