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Max Kellerman Expected To Join First Take
Game 7 of the NBA Finals takes place this Sunday night, and once it’s over a champion will be crowned. It will also officially signal the end of the Skip Bayless era at ESPN. Bayless is leaving First Take after the NBA Finals to join Fox Sports 1 where he’ll be reunited with former colleague Jamie Horowitz.
Upon his arrival, Bayless is expected to host a new debate show on FS1 opposite his former show. According to Mike McCarthy of the Sporting News, Shannon Sharpe is the leading candidate to be his on-air partner.
With Bayless departing, inquiring minds want to know who will become Stephen A. Smith’s running mate on First Take? In April, we reported some of the names who were given a forum to discuss the position. Yesterday, The Big Lead updated that process when they reported that three internal names were given further consideration.
Last night, I spoke to six different sources, and each confirmed that Max Kellerman is expected to be the choice. The issue of relocating to New York and leaving Los Angeles has apparently been settled, and all signs point to an official deal being finalized and announced soon.
Assuming no last minute surprises occur, the move makes sense on multiple levels. Kellerman has the passion and opinions to go toe to toe with Stephen A. They’re both from New York, have profound respect for one another, and Max’s profile, and on-air style fit the First Take format. He’s also just 42 years old, so the opportunity to develop the show and keep it in tact for a long period of time is possible.
Details remain unclear on how ESPN will fill Max’s void on Sports Nation and ESPN LA 710. There are two names that make a lot of sense. First, there’s Doug Gottlieb. He has a good profile on radio and television, grew up in the market, and has a personality that would play well with Marcellus Wiley, and Michelle Beadle. The only challenge is if CBS isn’t willing to let him out of any contractual obligations.
The other possibility is Jorge Sedano. He too has a strong profile on radio and television, has worked with a former football player in Mark Schlereth, has lived and worked in the market previously, and with Los Angeles being 50% Hispanic, that could make him an even more attractive fit. He’s also under company control.
There are hurdles still to climb, including whether or not First Take operates in the future out of Bristol, Connecticut or New York City, but logistical and contractual issues aside, Kellerman to First Take is in motion. With the show producing big ratings and revenues, and ESPN losing one of its most recognizable personalities on television in Bayless, the network has been under pressure to make a splash. Kellerman helps them emerge from the process looking strong.
I doubt he wants to do this. He has the perfect situation in LA
End of Max and Marcellus on the Radio...... That chemistry... One of the greatest radio runs ever.
Game 7 of the NBA Finals takes place this Sunday night, and once it’s over a champion will be crowned. It will also officially signal the end of the Skip Bayless era at ESPN. Bayless is leaving First Take after the NBA Finals to join Fox Sports 1 where he’ll be reunited with former colleague Jamie Horowitz.
Upon his arrival, Bayless is expected to host a new debate show on FS1 opposite his former show. According to Mike McCarthy of the Sporting News, Shannon Sharpe is the leading candidate to be his on-air partner.
With Bayless departing, inquiring minds want to know who will become Stephen A. Smith’s running mate on First Take? In April, we reported some of the names who were given a forum to discuss the position. Yesterday, The Big Lead updated that process when they reported that three internal names were given further consideration.
Last night, I spoke to six different sources, and each confirmed that Max Kellerman is expected to be the choice. The issue of relocating to New York and leaving Los Angeles has apparently been settled, and all signs point to an official deal being finalized and announced soon.
Assuming no last minute surprises occur, the move makes sense on multiple levels. Kellerman has the passion and opinions to go toe to toe with Stephen A. They’re both from New York, have profound respect for one another, and Max’s profile, and on-air style fit the First Take format. He’s also just 42 years old, so the opportunity to develop the show and keep it in tact for a long period of time is possible.
Details remain unclear on how ESPN will fill Max’s void on Sports Nation and ESPN LA 710. There are two names that make a lot of sense. First, there’s Doug Gottlieb. He has a good profile on radio and television, grew up in the market, and has a personality that would play well with Marcellus Wiley, and Michelle Beadle. The only challenge is if CBS isn’t willing to let him out of any contractual obligations.
The other possibility is Jorge Sedano. He too has a strong profile on radio and television, has worked with a former football player in Mark Schlereth, has lived and worked in the market previously, and with Los Angeles being 50% Hispanic, that could make him an even more attractive fit. He’s also under company control.
There are hurdles still to climb, including whether or not First Take operates in the future out of Bristol, Connecticut or New York City, but logistical and contractual issues aside, Kellerman to First Take is in motion. With the show producing big ratings and revenues, and ESPN losing one of its most recognizable personalities on television in Bayless, the network has been under pressure to make a splash. Kellerman helps them emerge from the process looking strong.
I doubt he wants to do this. He has the perfect situation in LA
End of Max and Marcellus on the Radio...... That chemistry... One of the greatest radio runs ever.
Hahn & Humpty are pretty entertaining. Michael Kay can kick rocks
