Stephen A. Smith has provided a comprehensive response to his former First Take co-host, Max Kellerman, addressing the latter's recent claims about their professional split during an interview with Bill Simmons.
On the latest episode of his Straight Shooter show, Smith kicked things off by confessing that, upon hearing the comments, which touched on his work ethic and desire to be a "solo act," he had his researchers check whether it was real. He went further, stating he laughed for the "last 36 hours" after seeing his former "sparring partner" on First Take, interviewed by Simmons. Smith then took things seriously and explained his stance on everything.
While affirming that Kellerman is "extraordinary" and "phenomenal" when it comes to his boxing knowledge, Smith stressed they were discussing First Take. Smith confirmed the core issue was that he didn't think he and Kellerman could work together anymore, as Smith didn't want to do a debate show with him.
However, Smith vehemently denied that the split was due to any personal animosity, distinguishing the situation from previous professional disagreements. He emphasized that Kellerman is "one of the kindest dudes you'd ever want to meet" and "actually a very nice guy."
Smith also explained that the issue was purely about the program's requirements. He added that the show's audience, accustomed to the Skip Bayless era, had an expectation that didn't materialize with Kellerman. Smith concluded that, ultimately, "the debate show did not work in the end with yours truly, bottom line that's it."
Smith then directly addressed the suggestion that he feared debating Kellerman or anyone else, stating: "If somebody wants to go out and think that I have a speck of fear of debating anyone anytime any place, fine, go ahead and believe that."
He then listed the numerous contributors he debates daily to counter the idea of avoiding competition, and even challenged the nickname Kellerman gave himself ("Muhammad Kellerman," after Muhammad Ali) by rattling off the names of established analysts and Hall of Famers who contribute to the show, including Super Bowl champions and MVP winners.
"You're Muhammad Kellerman, huh? So what does that make Michael Irvin?" asked Smith, before listing off Shannon Sharpe, Ryan Clark, Jeff Saturday, Cam Newton and more.
Smith concluded his response by reiterating his lack of ill will toward his former colleague. He noted that Kellerman was not fired or unemployed, and immediately received new programs, including a radio show and an afternoon show.
Smith wished Kellerman well in his new endeavors, including a podcast with Rich Paul. He stressed that there is "no hatred or animosity from this side from that brother at all." The only issue, Smith reaffirmed, "was frustration from the debate show standpoint. That's it. Nothing else."
