We Look at Why Max Kellerman Has Vanished From TV Since Leaving Stephen A and ESPN | Le Batard Show

Where did Max Kellerman go? The former First Take host that was on everything ESPN was doing has now disappeared from TV since splitting from the network. Dan Le Batard explains why and as Max Kellerman seemingly sits on the shelf for ESPN, Dan asks the crew what they would have been doing if ESPN paid out 18 months of their contracts to NOT work for the company.
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#espn #maxkellerman #stephenasmith #stephena #firsttake #foxsports #skipbayless #espnnews #lebatardshow #lebatard #thepirateship #sports #live #stugotz #danlebatard

[@terrenceharvey6060]

I think once every month I’ve asked myself where is Max Kellerman especially with the boxing renaissance we’ve been seeing.

[@peterjacoby8019]

he's enjoying his money, because he's smart

[@ErvuJukl]

​@@peterjacoby8019Shabbat Shalom 🇮🇱

[@Mitch_Feral]

I dont think Max would call this a renaissance, is part of why he's not back - I dont think Kellerman wants to shovel circus fights for Saudi blood money.

[@ErvuJukl]

@@Mitch_Feral stifle it Mitchell

[@Mitch_Feral]

@@ErvuJukl gargle on it, bud

[@DrPhill96]

Max will be back!! He has no reason to not return due to his knowledge, banter, consciousness and intelligence. He is just enjoying his severance pay and off-time.

[@LeBatardShow]

💯💯💯

[@SMOOTHIE1113]

Thx captain obvious,was in the ether for days 🎉

[@Tony-xu9bf]

@@SMOOTHIE1113shut up

[@LT-dj8if]

FACTS!!!!

[@kikovazquez7277]

I certainly hope he will never be back anywhere that is highly visible. I can't stand any of the 2 or 3 main facades that he employs. He used to brag about how rich he is during the nadir of his career when he was on L.A. sports radio. Let him enjoy the money and remain out of the radio/tv/internet businesses. I don't much like Stugotz either, but at least he doesn't take himself so seriously and presents himself as he is, warts and all.

[@ellemarr7234]

We’ve been missing Max Kellerman! I check up on him every few weeks and there’s been nothing 😢. The people want Max back! EDIT: Jalen Rose needs to come back to our screens too

[@shadow_realm47]

I thought Fox would seperate Skiuuup and Shae Shae when the big bust ups were happening and Max would Show up opposite to Shannon. Cus Skip would never allow a younger white boi on his show, that's how they replaced him at ESPN. Losing Shannon was a big big oopsie. If I were in charge I'd give Shannon his own show he was way too valuable.

[@robertthompson6153]

He is missed for sure. Also, Jalen Rose is missed.

[@Blinkyjedi]

Jalen a race baiter

[@jansmitowiczauthor78]

​@@BlinkyjediFOH with that sjw bull

[@AlexRosner-v8t]

Max kellerman is the best analyst

[@TaeDoloSolo]

Took his severance and went to chill with his family!

[@DeTAYL.]

Can’t even be made at that! He deserves it.

[@kefkapalazzo1]

is it really a severance? seems like what he was owed to me nothing extra. probably better than severance tbh

[@HomerunsamSOSA]

@@kefkapalazzo1well he’s still under contract and can’t do TV I think

[@kefkapalazzo1]

@@HomerunsamSOSA yeah that sucks. I know the money is good, but when you can’t do what you love because of it the irony must be annoying as hell. I just meant better financially

[@HomerunsamSOSA]

@@kefkapalazzo1 word

[@Hakiimthedream]

max BY FAR was the best talent ESPN had, i’ll argue with anyone

[@petercofrancesco9812]

I'm going to give Skip Bayless your phone number. 😉

[@joebutta169]

I agree! Besides Shannon sharpe

[@phenghs2007]

He was so insincere on first take. He didn't believe half of his own takes. He was just the heel for Screaming A Smith

[@johancorrales6537]

Nah that was Ryan Hollins 😂

[@jeffreybeltran96]

Shannon Sharpe is a hack

[@danieltarczynski6559]

Max Kellerman was/is too good for ESPN.

[@AnderSixxin]

The MK era of around the horn was special

[@brandondetroitfanmichaels4325]

Early 2000s ESPN!

[@ronlinrich]

With Jay Mariotti lol

[@EazyPzzy]

20 years ago! I can't believe that show's still on everyday

[@winebuyah]

Tony Sanctimony Reali has been horrible for a decade+ & gets worse every year...

[@whowhatwhere9039]

The most egregious thing is that they took his image and or likeness, and handed it over to stat boy. I mean down to the facial hair, just crazy. Free Max!

[@hb2057]

It’s crazy that SAS took him out for being “more black” on tv it’s wild

[@andrebritten]

It's funny how nobody brings up how Stephen A did Max wrong but Skip gets all the hate

[@Obiamajoyisrmd]

@@andrebrittenwhat’s funny is how none of this shit is true or relevant but guys still talk about it

[@trequangregg3209]

@@ObiamajoyisrmdStephen a admitted to getting rid of max from first take.

[@Greego]

@@andrebrittenA lot of people were going in very heavy on Stephen A just last fall about what he did to Max Kellerman. I remember many articles and videos on this topic. You can search them.

[@Obiamajoyisrmd]

@@trequangregg3209 congrats on trying to be the contrarian who wrote a comment that doesn’t dispute anything that I said. What was your point?

[@Toronto3101]

Boxing truly misses Max.

[@sherbstone]

Not really

[@AlexRosner-v8t]

Boxing sucks pro sports misses max

[@t.k.1319]

ESPN bought out his contract. He can’t do any traditional media until his contract expires. Max is doing fine, probably chilling somewhere.

[@DaFactsNoNonsense1713]

that's CAP = his contract expired, so they didn't re-sign him = Max isn't getting hired by anyone because he doesn't know what he's talking about when it comes to pro-sports because he has "0" experience with it = SAS made sure EVERYONE knows that now, which is GOOD = we want to see OUR own faces covering OUR own athletes, not some white guy, who has no clue what he's talking about, talking DOWN to players who do + if they're going to pay former athletes, to SELLOUT their peers for money, then it might as well be former BLACK athletes, getting PAID to do so on TV/online = SAS actually did the right thing here, for once, by replacing Max with Mad Dogg, who's more experience, more respected + has DECADES in the sports media business, which is MUCH better than Max's resume, in every way, shape or form

[@tafaofamily4819]

​@@DaFactsNoNonsense1713You're delusional and don't know what you're talking about 😂 Max has way more experience than SAS. And he was more respected by players than SAS was. Remember when Terrell Owens said Max was more Black than SAS 😂 He hated that and despised the fact that Max was just as eloquent as he was. And than SAS went and got an old washed up Madd Dogg because he's no threat to him. SAS hated Max because Max was a threat plain and simple. Truth is, SAS can't hold a candle to Max and that's why he got rid of him.

[@AlexRosner-v8t]

Max kellerman has been right a billion times more than Steven a

[@DaFactsNoNonsense1713]

@@AlexRosner-v8t that's not true, since you can't name "3" times he was right over SAS

[@johnnyguitarwatson5288]

I miss the hell out of MAX! A true TALENTED, sports pioneer who is extremely intelligent and a SOCIAL POET!

[@Blinkyjedi]

Talking about sports isn’t talent

[@batmanmotherfucker]

Wipe your chin off.

[@brucehicks5817]

I stopped watching First Take and SAS after how he did Max.

[@CnoSleep05]

Me too.

[@1_underthesun]

Same, but I never understood or got the story why SAS wanted Max out.

[@brucehicks5817]

@1_underthesun oh I remember the moment it happened. Terrell Owens was in the segment and told SAS "Max sounds blacker than you." Things went downhill from there.

[@quaz3294]

Nope not me max ain't fit first take. Way better once he left

[@teamgreats4084]

​@@quaz3294FACTS

[@grahamimal8336]

I miss max

[@LeBatardShow]

We all do!

[@akadanielmaia]

Yall could hire max and Marcellus

[@blaketindle4703]

@@akadanielmaiaThey can’t afford Max lol

[@Blu3M00nxx87]

Me and my Dad used to watch boxing on ESPN and that's where I first caught Max and became a fan

[@M_Lev]

Not only have I absolutely noticed that Max has been gone, it's something that I think about regularly. I can't wait for him to come back.

[@Rico513]

I really miss Max and Jalen Rose being on TV...and it hurt my soul the 1st time I realized that David Jacoby went over to FS1 with that weirdo Carton

[@djharris8491]

Nobody talk about how top notch jalen and Jacoby were.

[@davidvera7305]

@@djharris8491GTGTPWTW

[@winebuyah]

​@@djharris8491you're far too kind...

[@hbk92701]

Stephen A started fucking Molly

[@akadanielmaia]

Yall could hire Max and Marcellus

[@M37_jase]

I’ve noticed. He’s the best boxing analyst in the business.

[@AlexRosner-v8t]

He’s the best sports analyst

[@kayell5917]

I have definitely noticed that Max has been missing. I thought he was great! Definitely one of my favorite personalities on ESPN when he was there. Bring him on as a guest!!

[@chuteball]

Man, this is crazy!!! I was just thinking what happed to Max yesterday. No boxing? Nothing.

[@colinanthony2011]

Max was great, a shame he’s no longer on the air. Hope he pops back up somewhere

[@catherinewilliams9680]

Max was the only reason I ever watched First Take.

[@thehoboman]

Same, once they cancelled KJM I had no reason to tune into ESPN.

[@stevenl9151]

Maybe like 3 months ago i went looking to see where max went. I was suprised he didn't have a youtube presence. Will be staying tuned for where he goes next.

[@bgizzle6546]

I see Max taking over Undisputed once Skip is done. Max and Keshawn have great chemistry, bring Marcellus back, Paul, and few others, It may work.

[@ellemarr7234]

I’d watch that for sure ✔️

[@thecomicsarereal]

As much as I love Shannon Sharpe I would watch Max and Keshawn on Undisputed FOR SURE.

[@Jay1Broadway]

JWill Key and Max should be the new lineup for Undisputed

[@bgizzle6546]

@Jay1Broadway true, you gotta keep Rachel, or Paul for basketball though.

[@Jay1Broadway]

@@bgizzle6546 I say keep both. But you already know JWill is the Ball expert between Key and Max

[@robertozep2291]

Max Kellerman hold his own weight, needs to go on his own. His talent is unquestionable.

[@SanctuaryGardenLiving]

💯

[@hannibal090]

I miss Max. He was very versatile and intelligent. It scared the hell out of $A$ and I really don’t like how he 💩on Max even after he left just because he understood Black issues better than “the black guy” and I’m black. Max supported what I go through more than $A$ EVER does 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@Mohawk21-oi1nit]

Max found that ALOT of boxing was more than mixed company ( MEXICAN , BLACK, FILIPINO, ENGLISH, ARABIC, SIKH, AND VARIOUS OTHER NATIONALITIES) WORKING IN BOXING TO BE NUMBER 1.... So why is Max being shut down??? If he is a commentater and knows both sides, why is he not an EXPERT NEXT TO THE CREW THAT HE WORKED WITH COMMENTING ON BOXING!!????

[@riveraderek07]

Dude, I remember when Max was in HQ. I used to listen to those episodes on the ESPN Radio app. He was really great.

[@KurapikasChains727]

These people talk as if Max cant & won’t rebound? 18 months to be with your daughter, learn yourself, & think of rebranding/rebounding.. for a intelligent human being that is Max.. I’m ready for this media revolution that has been brewing for quite a while. Some of these old heads & old faces are holding on for dear life to their positions in the “food chain” of media pundants/analyst/ w.e you want to calll them.. Max Kellerman is forever one of the best personalities on TV I’ve been grateful to experience. I’m glad there’s rumors he will be returning. #WeHaveMissedYouMax

[@NZZN666]

I want Max back ASAP. He should do something where he talks about more than sports. I'd love to know what he thinks of the state of politics and society in the US since he's effectively been gone/silent.

[@jansmitowiczauthor78]

He definitely thought DJ6T was a scumbag, that's for sure 😊

[@hotrod3769]

Skip should of hired Max.

[@obiwanyutuben]

Max wouldn't ever work with another stephen a.

[@1_underthesun]

Also, most sports shows like these in 2024 wouldn't have it be 2 white guys.

[@dirrickrobinson3731]

He Should Of,But His Contract Buy Out Prevents That!It Would Of Been The Best Move Not Skip Tryna Utilize Hip Hop A 2 White Guy Show Especially Max Multiple Diverse Sports Mind Plus Boxing Expertise❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@clarencehowell1986]

Love Max. Can’t wait for his return to whatever

[@cloud1stclass372]

Max is a legend at this point. I remember him back on ESPN boxing when I was in high school. Interviewing Lou Dibella while wearing a Hawaiian shirt. It's amazing to see how much success he's had. Guy is the best. I wish him health and wealth.

[@SyracuseBrad]

I’d pay a monthly subscription fee if you brought Max to the LeBatard show/channel. Hire the dude!

[@rm004]

Bring Max over.... you guys are the best. Being more talent in!

[@rushman2k3]

6:59 i listened to mike and mike damn near every morning. Loved it but what i think i loved the most about it was they disagreed but it was respectful and didn’t devolve into a shouting match

[@majr6852]

Mike and Mike was boring vanilla p.c. crap with not a controversial take... ever!

[@rushman2k3]

@@majr6852 I mean obviously I disagree

[@robertoarsenal9044]

790 the ticket at one time had Boog, Sedano , The Dos Amigos, Dan . What a line up .

[@erhand82]

790 the ticket was awesome back in the day...zaslow, this crew, countless hours of classic banter

[@lestercombs1871]

Max is the best boxing analyst in the world, hands down.

[@TheRealMichaelP]

Idk but him and Lampley the best Duo

[@thewatcher5550]

Please bring Max back!

[@PurpleMonkeyDishwasher88]

Did anyone maybe ask the question, that perhaps Max Kellerman had a non-compete clause tied to his contract that if he was terminated early, that it was tied to his severance pay that he could not just jump to another network until x-amount of time has elapsed?

[@andarenbici]

ESPN is not interested in sophisticated knowledge on a variety of different subjects.

[@jbali101]

If they get rid of SAS max and Shannon would be a good show

[@chrisbuck4241]

right now espn is pat macafee. that is the show. if espn had to choose right now they would ditch almost everybody to keep pat

[@JizzleDaMan]

Lmaoo i dont see how stephen A calls u his friend 😂😂😂 but im here for the back and forth banter

[@TheRealMichaelP]

I’m hoping Max gets back with Jim Lampley

[@Mohawk21-oi1nit]

VERY GOOD IDEA!!! JOE AND DANA NEED HIM AS WELL!!

[@robr1611]

Max did a good job with HBO Boxing and the few times he was on Top Rank's boxing on ESPN. I'd like to see him back in that role. Much better studio host then Copp and Kriegel

[@MNWILD43]

I enjoyed Max, that's all I can say.

[@NoJustXusOfficial]

Max was the best. I always said that if I came into millions I’d try and get him and Shannon together for a show!

[@nathanieljones16]

Mannnnn that would go crazy

[@DCB004]

Been missing this show glad I found it

[@KevinJL]

Max Kellerman v David Samson Debate collision course!

[@jimmysmith9506]

Maxs best attribute was that he knew a lot about EVERYTHING. He even talked about the Goldilocks zone in the universe one time. My favorite Max moment was when he was debating Donovan Mcnabb on Thursday night games and asked "after a Sunday game can you play Tues? No. Can you play Wednesday? no that's too soon too. Oh but Thurs night you're ready to go!!"

[@jansmitowiczauthor78]

I swear I remember him talking about the GLZ too!

[@aneesabashir8496]

Hey Dan, Mike is correct - you are one of the GOATS

[@donbruce2306]

Dan is def one of the GOATs. Dude, you changed radio by forgoing sexist, stupid BS and instead being thoughful, caring, and humane in your sports talk. I wish more radio personalities, and sports talk in general, had your courage to do the same.

[@skewpzgotcha1595]

Crazy that this video was uploaded yesterday and this was my search today “what happened to Max Kellerman?” It has to be apart of his contract buyout, because you’d normally see people at least do a podcast, even as a guest and he hasn’t done any of that

[@nib5567]

When I was college. My sports journalism buddies would routinely take trips to ESPN in Connecticut. They mentioned running into Max and SAS after taping of FT. Max was super cool, gracious, humble. They met SAS and he walked around like a franchise player and didn’t give them the time of day. In all his dickhead glory.

[@SanctuaryGardenLiving]

I used to listen to Max on sports talk radio many years ago. He was incredible, one of a very few.

[@jacobball8422]

I noticed. Max Kellerman was one of my favorites

[@toritreadwell119]

Need max back in sports media. One of the best there is!

[@kentdenero]

Can't wait for Max to get back because I have hated Stephen A since 2003, after the Philly Inquirer.

[@yallmustveforgot]

A lot of people have noticed. Everyone's waiting for Max to return like Batman.

[@RapidFreelance]

I ran into Kellermann in a grocery store and asked him when he be back on the air talking sports, and Kellerman stated that he was contractually blocked for sometime.

[@Hendrix.Robinson]

Love Dan but his ability to paint the picture ask a question to a question, that breaks down the picture he painted then give a speech to the first question that doesn’t answer the question but leaves it open for interpretation is unmatched! Gotta love it!

[@jrock213]

We love Max in L.A! Max and Marcellus will forever be the SHIT. Got me thru some rough as work days listening to those 2. Max a hard ass worker and very knowledgeable not only in Sports but Hip Hop. His boxing knowledge is second to none. Him and Marcellus need to do a podcast together, chemistry is too good!

[@tr_vmi4844]

I think many people wonder about Max and where he is, but don't really say anything b/c it just doesn't matter. He annoyed me, but that's fine...and I miss him on TV. So much better than what First Take has turned into.

[@colbydobbs6399]

As a Charlotte resident, I loved the Jefferson Pilot reference lol.

[@lorenzobrown4465]

Max Kellerman looks like a before picture in a room full of after characters 😂 No wonder they hated him, they hated him for his wit, his looks, his age 😂😂😂

[@tellynalls]

I never thought you would see Max again. He was to invested in looking like he knew what he was talking about rather than being entertaining

[@Mr40ozkilla81]

Max and Marcellus was my go to in the mornings

[@ChrisKamanYourMouth]

Max and Marcellus on ESPNLA was one of the greatest radio talk shows ever. Their chemistry was amazing. Hope they'll be able to reunite somehow but don't think it will happen.

[@rjm0021]

I'm suprised that Max Kellerman hasn't been picked up by Pro Box Tv.....

[@dadbod1688]

Max will shoot straight to the top once he returns. He is that good. Stephen A was plain scared of his talent and the fact that he is uber talented and principled. We are here waiting for you Max Kellerman

[@ArmandoJF33]

I won’t be surprised if Max goes to FS1 and redo Skips show.

[@1_underthesun]

I'd be all for that. Just have to pair him with someone he has chemistry with. You know what'd be interesting? Pairing Kellerman with Darius Butler or even Ty Schmidt from the Pat McAfee Show (different network, I know, just trying to think outside the box)

[@1_underthesun]

Oh! Even better. Max Kellerman and Ian Rappaport. I'd pay good money to see those 2 guys riff off each other.

[@blaketindle4703]

WHERE IS MAX???????? It’s been too damn long!😢

[@Lexyboogie]

Max got screwed so badly.

[@brandons2842]

We've noticed but what can we do about it?

[@Heywoodjablome1964]

I miss Max, always kept it real

[@mikerandle9489]

Max and Marcellus was my favorite radio show in LA at the time. Max next to Stephen A is like a T-Bone steak next to a Big Mac. SAS is all style whereas Max K is about substance

[@jimsimonetti2929]

I'm really shocked that ESPN radio in NY is giving up their FM frequency and is only going to be AM and digital. Guess it's saving them a ton of money to give that up cuz I can't think of why'd they do it.

[@boshb2569]

I miss Max

[@RShaun]

I noticed. Been waiting patiently. I keep hoping for a Max & Marcellus revival as a pod but I don’t think they are interested in renewing that show. I’m in Ohio and listened to ESPN LA daily. Never been more west than Minnesota but I think about Langers and wonder what they taste like. The #19 😂😂😂. I would honestly listen to the archives of that show if it were available. Much love to you for not letting people forget.!

[@jjones2509]

Max can start his own network. I don't want to see him on ESPN

[@stormiewoods1490]

I miss Max too

[@whogg0521]

Yeah, I miss Max! He helped me enjoy boxing as a young adult.

[@adamwaller9935]

I used to call into Max on Boxing on public access tv here in NYC in the mid 90s

[@jerryw2460]

Perfect replacement for Skip

[@bellmarcus34]

Crazy I was just wondering about him yesterday

[@edwardmadrigal]

Max is going to be the next host of Undisputed

[@extremeuzer3]

Max kellerman is too smart to immediately jump into something. I bet he’s got something cooking

[@Subo23]

Good for him. Keep your head down, rest up, and come back strong. Pick your spot.

[@CD-rs2pl]

It’s like dan read my mind! I was just thinking yesterday where is max? I’d like to see max and skip show

[@jonathanbrown9131]

Max my dawg. A real thorough individual. He's to smart for some people. A simpler SAS is easier for people to digest

[@kwamesarfo-mensah5785]

If I’m Max, I would start a podcast. He has so much range and versatility that he could talk about anything….sports, politics, pop culture, etc. Also, he would have full ownership of his intellectual property and speak openly about anything he wants without consequence.

[@antihero5203]

Max chose the Craig Killborn road, it’s obviously the one less traveled.

[@mhairsto24]

Max Kellerman is super smart and extremely interesting, can't wait for him to return.

[@Erocksoco]

My consumption of ESPN product plummeted after their purge last year. They're absolutely right, they'll go on without Stephen A Smith just fine, I think he overestimates his own popularity, he has gotten nigh unbearable to watch since last year. Him being gone may make ESPN easier to watch honestly, he's wrong and annoying about it way too often, and his star has risen as much as it has because of the brand as much as himself.

[@Mitch_Feral]

Sports media is crumbling, and there's nothing for a dude who talks straight, and honest, with conviction, to do inside of it.

[@robot_clean]

No longer watch ESPN so indeed I did not know Max was off the air.

[@DanielOrteez]

12:57 lmao that was awkward. Everybody went silent.

[@Rickyreds]

Workin from 6-2 is not impossible 😂😂

[@kiroolioneaver8532]

The irony of Stephen A Smith's attacks on Max is that Max will be bigger than he ever was before.

[@bigwaidave4865]

I think Max is in the catbird seat and weighing his options as all of this media drama plays itself out!

[@justwideman]

Max is a legend and does not need to be in the TMZness of sports chatter bots. He should just do his own channel and team like Dan and Pat. Get him to Meadowlark!