Max Kellerman Joins ESPN2’s ‘First Take’

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ESPN personality and HBO boxing commentator Max Kellerman will take over as co-host of ESPN2 ‘First Take’ daily series, the network said Monday.

Beginning July 25 Kellerman will join the moring sports talk show, which is also hosted by Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim, said network officials. Kellerman replaces Skip Bayless, who left ESPN last month to join Fox Sports.

Kellerman will relinquish his roles on ESPN2’s Los Angeles-based studio show SportsNation and as co-host of Max & Marcellus, but will continue to serve as HBO’s boxing commentator on its live HBO World Championship Boxing and Boxing After Dark telecasts. He will also continue to host boxing series Face Off with Max Kellerman.

"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,” said Norby Williamson, ESPN executive vice president, production said in a statement. “We are confident that the chemistry on the set will make for a compelling commentary with Stephen A. and Molly."

R. Thomas Umstead
R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.