A new era of FIRST TAKE will begin Monday, July 25, when Max Kellerman takes a seat at the desk with Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim on ESPN2's two-hour weekday morning (10 a.m. - noon ET) live debate show.
"I'm thrilled to join the excellent team at First Take," said Kellerman. "Years back, on-the-air and in the hallways of
ESPN Radio New York, Stephen A. and I would engage in detailed and thoughtful discussions on sports and every other topic you can imagine. To do that again, now for the
FIRST TAKE audience, is going to be a lot of fun."
Stephen A. Smith added, "I'm ecstatic to have Max on board. We've known one another for years. We worked at
ESPN New York together and we both love our boxing. More importantly, Max is smart, quick on his feet and is never - ever - afraid to go at anyone. Just the kind of partner I wanted. It's time! Let's go! Can't wait!"
Norby Williamson,
ESPN executive vice president, production, stated, "Whether you've seen Max on SportsNation, boxing coverage or heard him on radio, you know his passion and sports knowledge break through the clutter with smart opinions and lively debate. We are confident that the chemistry on the set will make for a compelling commentary with Stephen A. and Molly."
Qerim added, "I'm thrilled that Max will join us and am very excited for the next chapter."
Kellerman will relinquish his roles on ESPN2's Los Angeles-based studio show
SPORTSNATION and as co-host of Max & Marcellus on ESPNLA 710AM. His last day on
ESPN Radio and his last appearance on
SPORTSNATION will both be Friday, July 15.
First Take, the most-watched show of its genre, is televised live daily on
ESPN2 from 10 a.m. - noon and is viewed by a diverse audience. The show is generally reaired on
ESPN2 daily from 1 - 3 p.m.
Previously, Kellerman appeared across
ESPN as a
SPORTSCENTER contributor, a guest host of Pardon the Interruption, and the original host of Around the Horn. He also hosted a popular daily radio program for
ESPN 1050 in New York. Long known to sports fans for his insightful ringside boxing commentary, Kellerman contributed to ESPN's boxing series
FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS and provided ringside color commentary on Tuesday Night Fights. Kellerman will continue his role with
HBO on
HBO World Championship Boxing,
HBO BOXING After Dark, The Fight Game with Jim Lampley, and Face Off with Max Kellerman.
Photo courtesy of
ESPN Press
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