Stephen A Smith's First Take Drama

Behind the Scenes of ESPN's Most Controversial Show

ESPN's flagship debate show First Take has long been a lightning rod for sports media drama. Recent candid revelations from former co-hosts Max Kellerman and insights into Molly Qerim's departure have exposed the intense power dynamics and competitive pressures behind the scenes. At the center of it all is the show's explosive personality, Stephen A. Smith – a $105 million ESPN superstar whose influence shapes every aspect of the program.

The Kellerman Era: No "Relationship" Formed

In a bombshell interview on The Bill Simmons Podcast, Max Kellerman pulled back the curtain on his five-year partnership with Smith. The former boxing analyst revealed a surprisingly fractured professional relationship despite their on-air chemistry.

"Stephen A. was the one partner I've ever had over the years where I didn't feel like a relationship was really forming," Kellerman stated.

Kellerman explained that while other broadcast partnerships (like his famed collaborations with Brian Kenny and Jim Lampley) developed into genuine friendships, the First Take dynamic was fundamentally different. He described Smith's role as the "big reactor" – a performer whose job was to amplify Kellerman's counterintuitive takes rather than engage in genuine debate.

The competitive nature of daily television debate, Kellerman suggested, made such partnerships unsustainable. "If you're doing a debate show and you're a competitive person, why would you want me as a partner?" he quipped, comparing the daily grind to sparring with boxing champion Bud Crawford for 15 consecutive rounds.

Molly Qerim's Exit: A Casualty of the SAS Empire

While Kellerman's departure was voluntary, the circumstances surrounding Molly Qerim's 2024 exit were far more contentious. Reports indicate the veteran sports anchor was offered an insultingly low contract renewal, forcing her to quit despite her strong rapport with Smith.

Former colleague Pablo Torre provided crucial context in a recent interview, explaining that Smith holds disproportionate power over the show's staffing and direction.

"He staffs the show, he picks the players on the team, he is the star of it. So I think what's frustrating for anybody who worked at ESPN and sort of felt like, 'I'm on the team too'... there's a pretty brutal math problem that I think Stephen A. is happy to do, in which he's like 'We can find someone to play that role.'"

This "brutal math problem" likely led to Qerim's departure – a decision that prioritized Smith's $105 million salary over retaining a popular co-host who had become integral to the show's identity.

The ESPN Machine: Fishing Where the Fish Are

Beyond the interpersonal drama, Kellerman offered insights into ESPN's broader editorial philosophy. He revealed pressure to prioritize coverage of major market teams like the Cowboys, Lakers, Knicks, and Yankees.

"They're telling you Cowboys, Lakers, Knicks, Yankees, like it's all the big teams," Kellerman explained. "You fish where the fish are" – a pragmatic approach designed to maximize audience engagement in a crowded media landscape. This top-down strategy often dictates the topics debated on First Take, regardless of actual sports relevance.

Looking Forward: The Solo Act Era

As Smith solidifies his position as First Take's undisputed centerpiece, the show's format increasingly resembles a solo showcase rather than a true debate program. Kellerman hinted at this evolution when noting that Smith's career calculations likely favored a "solo act" perception to maximize earning potential.

For viewers, the behind-the-scenes revelations raise critical questions: Can First Take maintain its edge when key figures are treated as replaceable? And how long can Smith sustain his "big reactor" persona without credible counterpoints? As ESPN's most-watched debate show continues to evolve, one thing remains certain – the drama behind the camera often proves more compelling than the debate on screen.