Overview
- Responding on his show, Smith cautioned that he could disclose behind-the-scenes details after Kellerman discussed their split on The Bill Simmons Podcast.
- Smith said the duo cohosted First Take from 2016 to 2021 and that he no longer wanted to do a debate show with Kellerman because they did not work well together.
- He emphasized that the decision was about professional fit, stating he does not dislike Kellerman and that there is no personal feud.
- Smith argued that First Take’s audience expected a combative style shaped by the Skip Bayless era and that Kellerman’s approach did not match that identity.
- He rejected Marcellus Wiley’s claim that he engineered Kellerman’s removal, even as a 2023 quote attributed to Smith about pressing ESPN for a change resurfaced in coverage.