MAX KELLERMAN received a rare shoutout on ESPN – much to the surprise of ex-colleague Stephen A. Smith.
The veteran sportscaster worked alongside Kellerman on First Take between 2016 and 2021.
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Smith cited a lack of chemistry between the pair as the show took on a rebrand in 2021, moving on from Kellerman.
He left ESPN in 2023 and has barely been mentioned on the network since.
But during Friday’s edition of First Take, guest Jay Williams brought up the former co-host.
Williams claimed that Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton “is spitting in the face of the narratives” during the current NBA Finals.
“I will also say this,” Williams began.
“When it comes down to the wire, Max Kellerman used to have this line, ‘If the death beam was focused on the earth and it’s the Martians against the U.S.’
“If the NBA Finals…comes down to the wire, with the body of work, I trust Tyrese Haliburton in those moments more than I trust Shai Gilgeous Alexander.
“That’s how I feel about it! I’ve seen it!”
Smith appeared completely unmoved by Williams’ argument – until the mention of Kellerman.
Stephen A. appeared to roll his eyes as soon as his ex-colleague’s name was brought up, saying with disinterest: “Right.”
Fans were quick to notice Smith appeared unimpressed at Kellerman’s name being brought up.
“I think J. Williams did that purposely and Stephen A didn’t maintain a poker face and failed the test,” wrote one viewer in response to the clip.
“The show was better with Max, because Max wasn’t afraid to go toe to toe with Stephen A,” argued another.
“Max was removed because Stephan A can’t hack it,” claimed a third.
Smith recently penned a $100million contract with ESPN.
First Take viewing figures
First Take went from strength to strength under the guidance of Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim last year.
The weekday ESPN debate show averaged 496,000 viewers in 2023 – making it the most-watched year in program history.
Its December average of 611,000 was a 24% year-on-year increase compared to 2022.
The show also reported more than 250 million views on YouTube.
First Take was helped by the addition of Shannon Sharpe alongside Smith and Qerim after he left Fox Sports’ Undisputed.
The 57-year-old appears across the network’s programming, covering everything from college basketball to the NFL.
He appears daily on First Take and has been the program’s lead analyst since 2012.
Smith isn’t usually one to appear speechless, but was left struggling to get his words out after being joined by daughter Samantha on a recent NBA broadcast.
“I’m so happy to be here, I’ve made so many friends,” the 17-year-old beamed.
“You just got here, five minutes ago,” jokingly snapped Smith in response.
