First Take's fiery host doesn't hold back as he dismantles Max Kellerman's claim that Stephen A. was afraid to debate him
Max Kellerman opens up about his relationship with "First Take" host Stephen A. Smith. In a fiery response that only Stephen A. Smith could deliver, the “First Take” host absolutely torched Max Kellerman’s recent claims on Bill Simmons’ podcast that Smith ended their partnership because he was afraid to debate “Muhammad Kellerman.
”“If you’re doing a debate show and you’re a competitive person, why would you want me as a partner?”Smith responded with characteristic intensity, first acknowledging Kellerman’s boxing expertise before challenging the premise entirely. “He took it someplace that all I want to say is, are you really sure you want to go there? See, there’s a lot of stuff that goes on behind the scenes. Are you sure you want to go there? Because I’m not unless you take me there,” Smith warned, hinting at untold details. But what truly demolished Kellerman’s argument was Smith’s systematic breakdown of who replaced him on First Take. “You’re Muhammad Kellerman, huh?” Smith asked. “So, what does that make Michael Irvin? Because he arrived after Max departed. How about Shannon Sharpe? Three-time Super Bowl champion, Hall of Famer as well. He arrived after Max Kellerman departed. How about Ryan Clark, Super Bowl champion, Pro Bowler?” The list continued with Jeff Saturday, Cam Newton, Marcus Spears and numerous other champions and experts. Smith made a crucial distinction about what ended their professional relationship: the format itself. “Debating is about point-counterpoint. And the audience is watching. Do I need to bring up the names of the inordinate amount of people that will come on the air and say, ‘Max, what are you saying? Max, what is your position? Tell us what you feel.’ It’s all there. We’re talking about a debate show,” he explained, suggesting that Kellerman’s style, not his intelligence, created the issue. What makes this industry clash particularly fascinating is Smith’s insistence that there’s no personal animosity driving the separation. He repeatedly praised Kellerman as “one of the kindest dudes you’d ever want to meet” and “a nice guy,” making clear this was strictly about professional chemistry and audience expectations. Smith also clarified the financial reality of their split, noting that Kellerman immediately received “not one but two shows” after leaving First Take, along with his continuing boxing coverage. This directly counters the narrative that Kellerman was somehow victimized in the transition. The podcast reveals a deeper truth about television partnerships: being smart and being right aren’t always what make for compelling TV. According to Smith, “First Take” audiences expected a particular type of debate that their partnership ultimately couldn’t deliver consistently.Meet the ‘Pet Santa’ providing 500 gift boxes to help N.J. families feed dogs, catsThe Advance Local Express Desk uses AI tools to assist in producing content, which is reviewed and edited by staff. Advance Local is the parent company of AL.com, Cleveland.com, lehighvalleylive.com,...
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