Stephen A. Smith recently found himself in hot water for a controversial opinion on Los Angeles Angels All-Star Shohei Ohtani, which he had since taken back. The ESPN host apologized for it on Tuesday during the opening of First Take, and whether the people he offended have forgiven him or not, his job in Bristol does not seem to be in jeopardy. Meanwhile, his co-host in the program, Max Kellerman probably had no idea about the rumor on Stephen A. Smith making moves behind his back to get him off the show, as mentioned in a reactionary piece b Drew Magary of Defector:

When I wrote that GQ profile, I was told by someone within the industry that Stephen A. was quietly campaigning for the network to replace his First Take co-host, Max Kellerman. I couldn’t verify that claim, and Max still occupies a chair opposite Stephen A.

Magary's Defector story is not anchored on that rumor, but it does remind people of the reality of show business — that celebrities can go behind the back of their colleagues for a variety of reasons.

Article Continues Below
More MLB News
Rafael Devers with SF Giants on left, Shohei Ohtani on right
2025 MLB Power Rankings, Vol. 14: Rafael Devers trade impacts the listChristopher Hennessy ·
Seattle Mariners shortstop J.P. Crawford (3) is tagged out by Balitimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman (35) during the sixth inning at T-Mobile Park.
MLB rumors: Mariners, Orioles could be good trade matchTroy Finnegan ·
Boston Red Sox designated hitter Rafael Devers (11) hits a home run against the Texas Rangers in the seventh inning at Fenway Park.
MLB rumors: Will Giants make another trade splash after Rafael Devers?Zachary Weinberger ·
Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Rhys Hoskins (12) rounds the bases after hitting a home run against the Atlanta Braves in the second inning at American Family Field.
MLB rumors: The Brewers star in danger of trade after White Sox dealMalik Brown ·
Miami Marlins starting pitcher Sandy Alcantara (22) pitches against the Colorado Rockies during the sixth inning at loanDepot Park.
MLB rumors: Dodgers ‘lurking’ for resurgent ace trade candidateZachary Weinberger ·
Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Kike Hernandez (8) pitches in the ninth inning against the Miami Marlins to first player to wear approved pitcher hybrid helmet/cap in a game at Dodger Stadium.
John Smoltz absolutely destroys position players pitching in MLB gamesBenedetto Vitale ·

Before he got partnered with Max Kellerman, Stephen A. Smith used to be the verbal sparring mate of Skip Bayless and vice versa. When Bayless departed ESPN for Fox, Kellerman became his replacement in 2016.

Stephen A. Smith and Max Kellerman are still together on First Take. With the continuing to be strong, a sudden departure of either host would rock not just ESPN, but the sports media landscape as well.