Getty Image
Stephen A. Smith made a pretty big omission while discussing the recent ESPN layoffs.
Last week, 20 on-air personalities were laid off by ESPN in a cost-cutting maneuver.
ESPN people reportedly let go today include: Suzy Kolber, Steve Young, Max Kellerman, Keyshawn Johnson, Jeff Van Gundy, Jalen Rose, Todd McShay, Matt Hasselbeck, Ashley Brewer, Joon Lee, LaPhonso Ellis.
There are about 10 more expected to be let go todayhttps://t.co/rk5lKslW4E
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) June 30, 2023
Max Kellerman, who Stephen A personally removed as co-host from First Take two years ago, was included in the layoffs and is currently without a job.
On Monday, Smith mentioned several employees he would miss after the layoffs, including Jalen Rose, Jeff Van Gundy, Keyshawn Johnson Ashley Brewer, and fans noticed that he failed to mention Kellerman’s name.
I will miss the colleagues of mine who were let go this week dearly pic.twitter.com/lNbuDjRG8s
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) July 4, 2023
No way he didn’t mention Max Kellerman 😂 https://t.co/PKgjr5pJ8k
— hassan (@mhassan_32) July 4, 2023
Petty labelle not mentioning max smh https://t.co/JpJLQN6d6a
— Respek the Elf (@JACtherippa_2) July 4, 2023
Not mentioning max is crazy https://t.co/WzKpOEsdRR
— 🕸️ (@BoogieVangorder) July 4, 2023
During an appearance on the Dan Le Batard show earlier this year, Smith spoke about why he decided to kick Max off First Take.
“It was about that a debate show requires certain things that I believe he did not bring to the table when it came to sitting opposite of me.”
“As far as I was concerned, Max Kellerman and I did not work for me,” he added. “It was not a show I wanted to be apart of.”
Kellerman bounced around ESPN radio, hosting different shows before getting laid off last week.