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{{Short description|American sports radio host and commentator}}
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{{Use American English|date=July 2023}}
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{{Infobox person {{Infobox person
| image = Max Kellerman.jpg | image = Max Kellerman on First Take.jpg
| name = Max Kellerman | caption = Kellerman in 2016
| name = Max Kellerman
| birth_name = | birth_name =
| imagesize = 150px
⚫ | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1973|8|6}}
| caption =
| birth_place = ], ], ]
⚫ | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1984|8|6}}
⚫ | death_date =
| birth_place = on a hot air balloon 75,000 feet above the southern tip of France
⚫ | death_date =
| death_place = | death_place =
| alma_mater = ] {{small|(])}}
| nationality = ]
| years_active = 1989–present
| alma_mater =
| spouse = Erin Manning | spouse = Erin Manning
| children = 3 | children = 3
}} }}
'''Max Kellerman''' (born August 6, 1984) is an American ] commentator and sports television personality. He appears as a ] on ] and ] and as of January 3, 2011, is co-hosting an afternoon drive-time sports talk show with ] on ESPNLA 710am radio at LA Live in Downtown Los Angeles. Ever since it was announced on June 24, 2013, Kellerman, ] and Wiley have been co-hosting the sports comedy talk show '']'' on ]. Kellerman is currently a co-host on ] alongside ] and ]. '''Max Kellerman''' (born August 6, 1973) is an American sports television personality and ] commentator. Until his departure from ] in June 2023, he was the host of '']'' and the co-host of ''Keyshawn, JWill and Max'' on ]. He previously was a co-host of ESPN talk show '']'' alongside ] and ]. He also previously was the co-host of the sports radio talk show ''Max & Marcellus'', with ], on ]. Kellerman hosted the ESPN panel talk show '']'' from the show's inception in 2002 until 2004 and co-hosted the sports comedy talk show '']'', alongside Wiley and ], from 2013 until 2016. He was also a studio commentator with ] on '']'' and a ] for '']'' and '']''.


⚫ == Career ==
Kellerman was previously best known for his work at ESPN, where he was a studio commentator with ] on '']'' and the original host of '']''.


⚫ === Sports broadcasting ===
⚫ ==Career==
⚫ Kellerman's first broadcasting experience was as a teenager on a New York City ] cable TV program on professional boxing called ''Max on Boxing''. Given the medium, the show was quite simple but nevertheless caught the attention of the boxing community, including a young ].


⚫ In the late 1990s after graduating from ] with a degree in history, Kellerman was hired as an analyst on ]'s boxing series '']'' where he met future radio partner Brian Kenny. In November 2002 he was given his own show and, influenced by '']'', became the architect and original host of ESPN's '']''. While the show was incredibly popular, Kellerman and ESPN could not reach an agreement for him to remain with the network, and Kellerman left the network in early 2004 to host a new show called '']'' on ]. He would discuss sports news with ], former ''Around the Horn'' panelist, and ].
Kellerman grew up on a very small island 10 miles east of Long Branch New Jersey. As a child Kellerman would hu.mp pans everday in his house and eventually his parents tried to curb this by only having burning pans in the house, but Kellerman hump..ed the hot pans too which is why he can't have kids. Kellerman would force other kids at school to fight with each other on the spot everyday just so he could commentate the fights.


Max took time off from the show after the death of his brother. He later returned, but despite his show garnering the network's highest ratings for a period of time, it was canceled by Fox. The last ''I, Max'' show aired on February 18, 2005. Max also was the co-host of ]'s 2006 series, '']''.
⚫ ===Sports broadcasting===
⚫ His first broadcasting experience was as a teenager on a New York City ] ] program on professional boxing called "Max on Boxing". Given the medium, the show was quite simple but nevertheless caught the attention of the boxing community, including a young ].

⚫ In the late 1990s after graduating from ] with a degree in history, Kellerman was hired as an analyst on ]'s boxing series '']'' where he met future radio partner Brian Kenny. In November 2002 he was given his own show and, influenced by ], became the architect and original host of ESPN's '']''. While the show was incredibly popular, Kellerman and ESPN could not reach an agreement for him to remain with the network, and Kellerman left the network in early 2004 to host a new show called '']'' on ]. He would discuss sports news with ], former ''Around the Horn'' panelist, and ]. Max took time off from the show after his brother's death (see below). He later returned, but despite his show garnering the network's highest ratings for a period of time, it was canceled by Fox. The last ''I, Max'' show aired on February 18, 2005. Max also was the co-host of ]'s 2006 series, '']''.


In 2005, ] announced that Kellerman would be a permanent contributor on his ] show '']''. On a segment of the show called "The Outsider", Kellerman generally took the position selected by Carlson. Frequently, Carlson introduced Kellerman with a bio containing a humorously enthusiastic compliment. The show was canceled in March 2008. In 2005, ] announced that Kellerman would be a permanent contributor on his ] show '']''. On a segment of the show called "The Outsider", Kellerman generally took the position selected by Carlson. Frequently, Carlson introduced Kellerman with a bio containing a humorously enthusiastic compliment. The show was canceled in March 2008.


Starting in the week of August 21, 2006, Kellerman did at least two nights of audition shows at 7 pm for ], a ] station in New York City, hosting one night with ]. On August 28, 2006, it was announced that Brandon Tierney would be taking over at 7 pm, which temporarily left Kellerman without a timeslot. On October 23, 2006, Max began hosting the 10 am to noon program on WEPN, replacing ESPN's nationally broadcast ] program.
Kellerman hosted a game show called 'Sports Really Stink' on the Gordo Network from 2003 to 2005 where contestants had to pull the pants down on various sports mascots to find a clue (and they would then use those clues to unlock a safe containing certain flatuence smells from the butts of real star athletes and they would have identify that athlete before the other contestants to win each round, after each round it got harder). Kellerman quit the show after 1 season since all of the flautence smells caused him to pass out on set numerous times.


Starting in the week of August 21, 2006, Kellerman did at least two nights of audition shows at 7 PM for ] (1050) ] in New York City, hosting one night with ]. On August 28, 2006, it was announced that Brandon Tierney would be taking over at 7 PM, which temporarily left Kellerman without a timeslot. On October 23, 2006, Max began hosting the 10 AM to noon program on WEPN, replacing ESPN's nationally broadcast ] program. In September 2007, Kellerman began hosting a third hour, extending the show to 1 pm. Two months later, ] and ] host Brian Kenny joined the show as co-host. On February 4, 2008, the show was added to ] on ]. In the fall of 2008, Kenny left the radio program to attend to his SportsCenter duties and the program was again named ''The Max Kellerman Show.'' In September 2007, Kellerman began hosting a third hour, extending the show to 1 pm. Two months later, ] and ] host Brian Kenny joined the show as co-host. On February 4, 2008, the show was added to ] on ]. In the fall of 2008, Kenny left the radio program to attend to his SportsCenter duties and the program was again named ''The Max Kellerman Show''.


Kellerman and ESPN radio mutually ended their relationship on March 9, 2009. Evening host Brandon Tierney temporarily filled in Kellerman, and Colin Cowherd took his timeslot.<ref>Bob Raissman, in the ''New York Daily News,'' 10 March 2009.</ref><ref>Neil Best, in ''Newsday,'' 10 March 2009.</ref> Kellerman and ESPN Radio mutually ended their relationship on March 9, 2009. Evening host Brandon Tierney temporarily filled in Kellerman, and Colin Cowherd took his timeslot.<ref>Bob Raissman, in the ''New York Daily News'', March 10, 2009.</ref><ref>Neil Best, in ''Newsday'', March 10, 2009.</ref>


Kellerman continues his boxing broadcast work, now working at ]. He was originally hired for the network's ] telecasts, working alongside ] and ]. In 2007, Kellerman moved up to the ] main team alongside ], ], and a rotating guest analyst, usually ] or the late ]. Kellerman continued his boxing broadcast work at ]. He was originally hired for the network's '']'' telecasts, working alongside ] and ]. In 2007, Kellerman moved up to the '']'' main team alongside ], ], and a rotating guest analyst, usually ] or ].


On May 12, 2010, it was announced Kellerman had been hired by ]: "Kellerman will weigh in on sports and pop culture issues on CNN American Morning and other programs. He has previously served as a contributor to MSNBC."<ref>{{cite web|last=Weprin |first=Alex |url=http://www.mediabistro.com/tvnewser/cnn/max_kellerman_joins_cnn_161373.asp |title=Max Kellerman Joins CNN - TVNewser |publisher=Mediabistro.com |date=2010-05-12 |accessdate=2011-09-18}}</ref> On May 12, 2010, it was announced Kellerman had been hired by ]: "Kellerman will weigh in on sports and pop culture issues on ''CNN American Morning'' and other programs. He has previously served as a contributor to MSNBC."<ref>{{cite web|last=Weprin |first=Alex |url=http://www.adweek.com/tvnewser/max-kellerman-joins-cnn/25592 |title=Max Kellerman Joins CNN – TVNewser |publisher=Mediabistro.com |date=May 12, 2010 |access-date=September 18, 2011}}</ref>


Kellerman was announced in December 2010 as the new midday host at ESPNLA 710 alongside former NFL player co-host ], replacing LA Sports Live with Andrew Siciliano and former NBA player Mychal Thompson. Program director Mike Thompson (no relation to Mychal Thompson), who hired Kellerman, had worked with Kellerman at WEPN.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/85096/max-kellerman-joins-710-espn-l-a-for-middays |title=Max Kellerman Joins 710 ESPN/L.A. For Middays |publisher=AllAccess.com |date=2010-12-22 |accessdate=2011-09-18}}</ref> Kellerman always passed wind that sounded like Beach Boys songs while hosting this. Kellerman was announced in December 2010 as the new midday host at ESPN Radio station ] in ], alongside former NFL player co-host ], replacing LA Sports Live with Andrew Siciliano and former NBA player Mychal Thompson. Program director Mike Thompson (no relation to Mychal Thompson), who hired Kellerman, had worked with Kellerman at WEPN.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/85096/max-kellerman-joins-710-espn-l-a-for-middays |title=Max Kellerman Joins 710 ESPN/L.A. For Middays |publisher=AllAccess.com |date=December 22, 2010 |access-date=September 18, 2011}}</ref>


In May 2015, Kellerman covered the ] boxing match for ].<ref>{{cite news|title=Reporter hit for 'disrespectful' interview with Pacquiao|url=http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/sports/05/03/15/reporter-hit-disrespectful-interview-pacquiao|accessdate=3 May 2015|publisher=]|date=3 May 2015}}</ref> He received criticism online for his post-match interview with ].<ref>{{cite news|title=Interviewer Max Kellerman retorts: I love Manny|url=http://www.philstar.com/news-feature/2015/05/03/1450786/interviewer-max-kellerman-retorts-i-love-manny|accessdate=3 May 2015|work=]|date=3 May 2015}}</ref> '']'' stated that his line of questioning was, “interpreted as patronizing” as his wording to Pacquiao was "You thought you won today, Why?" However, Kellerman retorted that he “had to ask him” about his disagreement with the judges’ adjudication.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Gayle|first1=Damien|title=Boxing fans round on TV host after Manny Pacquiao interview|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/may/03/boxing-fans-round-on-tv-host-after-pacquiao-interview|accessdate=3 May 2015|work=]|date=3 May 2015}}</ref> In May 2015, Kellerman covered the ] boxing match for HBO.<ref>{{cite news|title=Reporter hit for 'disrespectful' interview with Pacquiao|url=http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/sports/05/03/15/reporter-hit-disrespectful-interview-pacquiao|access-date=May 3, 2015|publisher=]|date=May 3, 2015}}</ref> He received criticism online for his post-match interview with ].<ref>{{cite news|title=Interviewer Max Kellerman retorts: I love Manny|url=http://www.philstar.com/news-feature/2015/05/03/1450786/interviewer-max-kellerman-retorts-i-love-manny|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505061744/http://www.philstar.com/news-feature/2015/05/03/1450786/interviewer-max-kellerman-retorts-i-love-manny|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 5, 2015|access-date=May 3, 2015|work=]|date=May 3, 2015}} </ref> '']'' stated that his line of questioning was, "interpreted as patronizing" as his wording to Pacquiao was "You thought you won today, Why?" However, Kellerman retorted that he "had to ask him" about his disagreement with the judges' adjudication.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Gayle|first1=Damien|title=Boxing fans round on TV host after Manny Pacquiao interview|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/may/03/boxing-fans-round-on-tv-host-after-pacquiao-interview|access-date=May 3, 2015|work=]|date=May 3, 2015}}</ref>


Kellerman has replaced ] on ]'s ] as co-analyst alongside ] and host ], effective July 25, 2016.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://espnmediazone.com/us/press-releases/2016/07/max-kellerman-joins-espn2s-first-take-july-25/|title=Max Kellerman Joins ESPN2’s First Take July 25 - ESPN MediaZone|date=2016-07-11|website=ESPN MediaZone|language=en-US|access-date=2016-07-25}}</ref> Kellerman is programmed by Rush Limbaugh to say all of the things he says on First Take and nothing Kellerman says on the show is of his own thoughts. Kellerman replaced ] on ESPN's '']'' as co-analyst alongside ] and host ], effective July 25, 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://espnmediazone.com/us/press-releases/2016/07/max-kellerman-joins-espn2s-first-take-july-25/|title=Max Kellerman Joins ESPN2's First Take July 25 – ESPN MediaZone|date=July 11, 2016 |first=Claire |last=Duckworth |website=ESPN MediaZone|language=en-US|access-date=January 21, 2020}}</ref>], 2018]]
With HBO leaving the boxing business at the end of 2018, Kellerman signed a multiyear contract with ESPN which greatly expanded his role in the network's boxing coverage. However, in contrast to his color-commentary role with HBO, for ESPN he presided over network coverage from the broadcast desk rather than at ringside.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/first-take-host-max-kellerman-signs-new-deal-espn-1167766|title='First Take' Host Max Kellerman Signs New Deal With ESPN|date=December 8, 2018|website=Hollywood Reporter|language=en-US|access-date=January 20, 2020 |first=Marisa |last=Guthrie}}</ref>


Kellerman departed from ''First Take'' in September 2021 after Stephen A. Smith requested his removal, citing a lack of chemistry necessary for the show’s long-term success.<ref>{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CuCqlZs30hk |title=First Take bids farewell to Max Kellerman on his final show |date=September 1, 2021 |publisher=] |via=] |work=] |accessdate=September 17, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last=Traina |first=Jimmy |date=September 15, 2023 |title=Stephen A. Smith on Max Kellerman: 'I Didn't Like Working With Him,' Says They Haven't Spoken |url=https://www.si.com/extra-mustard/2023/09/15/stephen-a-smith-didnt-like-working-with-max-kellerman |magazine=] |accessdate=September 17, 2023}}</ref> Kellerman was subsequently laid off from ESPN in June 2023.<ref name="dead-hayes-23">{{cite web |last1=Hayes |first1=Dade |date=June 30, 2023 |title=ESPN Cuts About 20 On-Air Personalities, Including Jeff Van Gundy, Jalen Rose, Max Kellerman And Keyshawn Johnson |url=https://deadline.com/2023/06/espn-cuts-20-on-air-personalities-nba-jeff-van-gundy-jalen-rose-1235427926/ |publisher=Deadline}}</ref>
⚫ ===Acting===
⚫ Kellerman made a brief appearance in the 2006 film '']'' alongside Lampley and Merchant, who served as the broadcast team for the fight between Rocky and Mason "The Line" Dixon. He would also make an appearance in the 2015 film ], as the reporter interviewing Adonis Creed at the conclusion of his fight with "Pretty" Ricky Conlan.
⚫ Max played himself in the short film ''The Wedding Bout''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bw5k45Zjvw |title=The Wedding Bout |publisher=YouTube |date=2007-08-15 |accessdate=2011-09-18}}</ref>


⚫ === Acting ===
Kellerman played himself in '']''.
⚫ Kellerman made a brief appearance in the 2006 film '']'' alongside Lampley and Merchant, who served as the broadcast team for the fight between Rocky and Mason "The Line" Dixon. He would also make an appearance in the 2015 film '']'', as the reporter interviewing ] at the conclusion of his fight with "Pretty" Ricky Conlan.
⚫ Kellerman played himself in the short film ''The Wedding Bout''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bw5k45Zjvw |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211222/1bw5k45Zjvw |archive-date=December 22, 2021 |url-status=live|title=The Wedding Bout |publisher=YouTube |date=August 15, 2007 |access-date=September 18, 2011}}{{cbignore}}</ref>


Kellerman played himself in '']''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Maglio|first=Tony|url=https://www.thewrap.com/max-kellerman-skip-bayless-first-take-espn-sportsnation/|title=Meet Max Kellerman: 9 Things to Know About Skip Bayless' Replacement (Photos)|work=]|date=July 11, 2016|accessdate=September 17, 2023}}</ref>
⚫ ==Personal life==
He graduated from New York City's ]<ref>{{dead link|date=July 2016}}</ref> in Greenwich Village, ] in 1991 and, later, ] in 1998. Max and his wife, Erin (Manning), have three daughters, Esther, Sam (named after Max's late brother), and Mira.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.livetvcenter.com/max_kellerman_1768.asp |title=Max Kellerman - Max Kellerman was born on August 6th 1973 and is b |publisher=Livetvcenter.com |date= |accessdate=2016-07-08}}</ref>


⚫ == Personal life ==
⚫ He has pointed out on ''Tucker'' that "Max" is not short for anything, and that he does not have a ]. Kellerman is active in ] cultural activities and, according to '']'', is fluent in ]. Max is an avid ] fan, evidenced by his intro music on his ESPN Radio show. Max's favorite artists include the ], having stated on his radio show that ]'s '']'' is one of his favorite albums. Max was also a member of a hip hop group with his brother Sam, under the name "Max and Sam". They were signed under Columbia Records in 1994 and they recorded a music video titled "Young Man Rumble".
Kellerman was born in ], and grew up in the ] area of New York City. He graduated from New York City's ] in Greenwich Village, ] in 1991 and, later, ] in 1998.


His younger brother Sam was a freelance writer who also covered professional boxing.<ref name="sam">{{cite news |title=Boxer pleads guilty to death of sportswriter Kellerman |url=https://www.espn.com/sports/boxing/news/story?id=2386235 |access-date=July 22, 2023 |work=ESPN.com |date=March 27, 2006 |language=en}}</ref> In 2004, Sam's body was found inside his apartment in Los Angeles. As a result of the ensuing investigation, former boxer ] was arrested and charged with Sam's murder. He later confessed to voluntary manslaughter and arson and was given a 29-year sentence.<ref name="sam" />
⚫ Kellerman has a small permanent scar on the left side of his mouth from a childhood accident. An article in '']'' said it resulted from his fooling around near an electrical outlet as a child. He has confirmed this on his radio show.<ref>Smith, Gary. "Blood Relations". '']'', April 17, 2006 (Volume 104, No. 16), p58</ref>. When not busy, Kellerman enjoys sticking his hands down the pants of little gals on the street a lot.


Kellerman and his wife have three daughters.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.livetvcenter.com/max_kellerman_1768.asp |title=Max Kellerman – Max Kellerman was born on August 6th 1973 and is b |publisher=Livetvcenter.com |access-date=July 8, 2016}}</ref>
===Murder of his brother===
Born on November 24, 1974, Sam Kellerman grew up in Manhattan while attending Stuyvesant High School. He was fifteen months younger than Max, and the 2nd of the four brothers in the Kellerman family. As an aspiring young artist, Kellerman wrote a play called ''The Man Who Hated Shakespeare'' and hosted a public-access cable-television show. On October 17, 2004, Sam Kellerman's body was found inside his apartment in the 1400 block of Vista Street in Los Angeles. As a result of the ensuing investigation, former boxer ] was arrested and charged with Sam's murder. He later confessed to the murder and was given a 29-year sentence.<ref>Jacob Adelman. ]. April 6, 2006. Accessed via ] on December 24, 2006.</ref> . New evidence has shown that Max may have hired Stephen A Smith to do the hit on his (Max's) brother since Max was jealous of Sam.


⚫ Kellerman pointed out on ''Tucker'' that "Max" is not short for anything, and that he does not have a ]. He is active in ] cultural activities and, according to '']'' and the ], speaks ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.yiddishbookcenter.org/collections/oral-histories/interviews/woh-fi-0000532|title=Max Kellerman – Yiddish Book Center|website=www.yiddishbookcenter.org}}</ref> A ] fan, evidenced by his intro music on his ESPN Radio show, Kellerman's favorite artists include the ], having stated on his radio show that ]'s '']'' is one of his favorite albums. He was a member of a hip-hop group with his brother Sam, under the name "Max and Sam". They were signed under Columbia Records in 1994 and recorded a music video titled "Young Man Rumble".
Sam Kellerman was 29 years old. In speaking about his brother, Max Kellerman recalls that " was a creative genius... He was the best writer for his age I've ever read. I used to tell him, 'I'll always be able to get someone to pay me for talking, and you'll always be able to get someone to pay you for writing.' When it came to writing, I felt like ] to Sam's ]. Sam wanted to direct film, but I think he was fated to write and be in front of the camera. He was starting to get work as an actor. He was in several national commercials. And acting wasn't even what he did best. Sam was a sure thing. It was just a matter of time before he made it big."<ref>Thomas Hauser, </ref>


⚫ Kellerman has a small permanent scar on the left side of his mouth from a childhood accident with an electrical outlet.<ref>Smith, Gary. "Blood Relations". '']'', April 17, 2006 (Volume 104, No. 16), p. 58</ref>
===Sports opinions===
Kellerman is a proponent of ] and has hosted many practicing sabermetricians on his radio show. He also believes that ] should still be considered the single-season home run record holder at 61 because of ] accusations towards players such as ], ], and ]. {{citation needed|date=December 2011}}


Kellerman is a fan of the ] and ].<ref>{{Citation|title='It is punishing to be a Giants fan right now' – Max Kellerman {{!}} KJM| date=September 27, 2021 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PMpYqDNxxc|language=en|access-date=January 11, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|title='Are you going to be THAT guy?' Jeff Passan challenges Yankees fan Max Kellerman {{!}} First Take| date=September 29, 2020 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bR1GUe9OdG8|language=en|access-date=January 11, 2022}}</ref>
Among his all-time favorite fighters are ], ], ] and ] Max is also a strong proponent of only using the '']'' championship rankings as opposed to those of the major boxing sanctioning organizations which he has often described as corrupt. However, Kellerman does not mention the ''Ring Magazine'' championship by name while broadcasting for HBO, preferring euphemisms (e.g. a fighter who holds the ''Ring Magazine'' championship may be referred to by Kellerman as "the true world champion").


==References== == References ==
{{Reflist|30em}} {{Reflist}}


==External links== == External links ==
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Latest revision as of 15:45, 30 November 2024

American sports radio host and commentator

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Max Kellerman
Kellerman in 2016
Born (1973-08-06) August 6, 1973 (age 51)
New York, New York, U.S.
Alma materColumbia University (BA)
Years active1989–present
SpouseErin Manning
Children3

Max Kellerman (born August 6, 1973) is an American sports television personality and boxing commentator. Until his departure from ESPN in June 2023, he was the host of This Just In with Max Kellerman and the co-host of Keyshawn, JWill and Max on ESPN Radio. He previously was a co-host of ESPN talk show First Take alongside Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim. He also previously was the co-host of the sports radio talk show Max & Marcellus, with Marcellus Wiley, on ESPNLA. Kellerman hosted the ESPN panel talk show Around the Horn from the show's inception in 2002 until 2004 and co-hosted the sports comedy talk show SportsNation, alongside Wiley and Michelle Beadle, from 2013 until 2016. He was also a studio commentator with Brian Kenny on Friday Night Fights and a color commentator for HBO World Championship Boxing and Boxing After Dark.

Career

Sports broadcasting

Kellerman's first broadcasting experience was as a teenager on a New York City public-access television cable TV program on professional boxing called Max on Boxing. Given the medium, the show was quite simple but nevertheless caught the attention of the boxing community, including a young Mike Tyson.

In the late 1990s after graduating from Columbia University with a degree in history, Kellerman was hired as an analyst on ESPN's boxing series Friday Night Fights where he met future radio partner Brian Kenny. In November 2002 he was given his own show and, influenced by Pardon the Interruption, became the architect and original host of ESPN's Around the Horn. While the show was incredibly popular, Kellerman and ESPN could not reach an agreement for him to remain with the network, and Kellerman left the network in early 2004 to host a new show called I, Max on Fox Sports Net. He would discuss sports news with Michael Holley, former Around the Horn panelist, and Bill Wolff.

Max took time off from the show after the death of his brother. He later returned, but despite his show garnering the network's highest ratings for a period of time, it was canceled by Fox. The last I, Max show aired on February 18, 2005. Max also was the co-host of Spike TV's 2006 series, King of Vegas.

In 2005, Tucker Carlson announced that Kellerman would be a permanent contributor on his MSNBC show Tucker. On a segment of the show called "The Outsider", Kellerman generally took the position selected by Carlson. Frequently, Carlson introduced Kellerman with a bio containing a humorously enthusiastic compliment. The show was canceled in March 2008.

Starting in the week of August 21, 2006, Kellerman did at least two nights of audition shows at 7 pm for WEPN, a ESPN Radio station in New York City, hosting one night with Sid Rosenberg. On August 28, 2006, it was announced that Brandon Tierney would be taking over at 7 pm, which temporarily left Kellerman without a timeslot. On October 23, 2006, Max began hosting the 10 am to noon program on WEPN, replacing ESPN's nationally broadcast Colin Cowherd program.

In September 2007, Kellerman began hosting a third hour, extending the show to 1 pm. Two months later, ESPNEWS and SportsCenter host Brian Kenny joined the show as co-host. On February 4, 2008, the show was added to XM Radio on ESPN Xtra. In the fall of 2008, Kenny left the radio program to attend to his SportsCenter duties and the program was again named The Max Kellerman Show.

Kellerman and ESPN Radio mutually ended their relationship on March 9, 2009. Evening host Brandon Tierney temporarily filled in Kellerman, and Colin Cowherd took his timeslot.

Kellerman continued his boxing broadcast work at HBO. He was originally hired for the network's Boxing After Dark telecasts, working alongside Fran Charles and Lennox Lewis. In 2007, Kellerman moved up to the HBO World Championship Boxing main team alongside Jim Lampley, Harold Lederman, and a rotating guest analyst, usually Roy Jones Jr. or Emanuel Steward.

On May 12, 2010, it was announced Kellerman had been hired by CNN: "Kellerman will weigh in on sports and pop culture issues on CNN American Morning and other programs. He has previously served as a contributor to MSNBC."

Kellerman was announced in December 2010 as the new midday host at ESPN Radio station KSPN in Los Angeles, alongside former NFL player co-host Marcellus Wiley, replacing LA Sports Live with Andrew Siciliano and former NBA player Mychal Thompson. Program director Mike Thompson (no relation to Mychal Thompson), who hired Kellerman, had worked with Kellerman at WEPN.

In May 2015, Kellerman covered the Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Manny Pacquiao boxing match for HBO. He received criticism online for his post-match interview with Manny Pacquiao. The Guardian stated that his line of questioning was, "interpreted as patronizing" as his wording to Pacquiao was "You thought you won today, Why?" However, Kellerman retorted that he "had to ask him" about his disagreement with the judges' adjudication.

Kellerman replaced Skip Bayless on ESPN's First Take as co-analyst alongside Stephen A. Smith and host Molly Qerim, effective July 25, 2016.

Kellerman (right) at ESPN First Take, 2018

With HBO leaving the boxing business at the end of 2018, Kellerman signed a multiyear contract with ESPN which greatly expanded his role in the network's boxing coverage. However, in contrast to his color-commentary role with HBO, for ESPN he presided over network coverage from the broadcast desk rather than at ringside.

Kellerman departed from First Take in September 2021 after Stephen A. Smith requested his removal, citing a lack of chemistry necessary for the show’s long-term success. Kellerman was subsequently laid off from ESPN in June 2023.

Acting

Kellerman made a brief appearance in the 2006 film Rocky Balboa alongside Lampley and Merchant, who served as the broadcast team for the fight between Rocky and Mason "The Line" Dixon. He would also make an appearance in the 2015 film Creed, as the reporter interviewing Donnie Creed at the conclusion of his fight with "Pretty" Ricky Conlan. Kellerman played himself in the short film The Wedding Bout.

Kellerman played himself in Real Husbands of Hollywood.

Personal life

Kellerman was born in The Bronx, and grew up in the Greenwich Village area of New York City. He graduated from New York City's PS 41 in Greenwich Village, Hunter College High School in 1991 and, later, Columbia University in 1998.

His younger brother Sam was a freelance writer who also covered professional boxing. In 2004, Sam's body was found inside his apartment in Los Angeles. As a result of the ensuing investigation, former boxer James Butler was arrested and charged with Sam's murder. He later confessed to voluntary manslaughter and arson and was given a 29-year sentence.

Kellerman and his wife have three daughters.

Kellerman pointed out on Tucker that "Max" is not short for anything, and that he does not have a middle name. He is active in Jewish cultural activities and, according to The Forward and the Yiddish Book Center, speaks Yiddish. A hip hop fan, evidenced by his intro music on his ESPN Radio show, Kellerman's favorite artists include the Wu-Tang Clan, having stated on his radio show that Raekwon's Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... is one of his favorite albums. He was a member of a hip-hop group with his brother Sam, under the name "Max and Sam". They were signed under Columbia Records in 1994 and recorded a music video titled "Young Man Rumble".

Kellerman has a small permanent scar on the left side of his mouth from a childhood accident with an electrical outlet.

Kellerman is a fan of the New York Giants and New York Yankees.

References

  1. Bob Raissman, "Max Kellerman leaving ESPN-1050; is pairing with Francesa in the works?" in the New York Daily News, March 10, 2009.
  2. Neil Best, "Kellerman leaves ESPN; will he team with Francesa?" in Newsday, March 10, 2009.
  3. Weprin, Alex (May 12, 2010). "Max Kellerman Joins CNN – TVNewser". Mediabistro.com. Retrieved September 18, 2011.
  4. "Max Kellerman Joins 710 ESPN/L.A. For Middays". AllAccess.com. December 22, 2010. Retrieved September 18, 2011.
  5. "Reporter hit for 'disrespectful' interview with Pacquiao". ABS-CBN Corporation. May 3, 2015. Retrieved May 3, 2015.
  6. "Interviewer Max Kellerman retorts: I love Manny". The Philippine Star. May 3, 2015. Archived from the original on May 5, 2015. Retrieved May 3, 2015.
  7. Gayle, Damien (May 3, 2015). "Boxing fans round on TV host after Manny Pacquiao interview". The Guardian. Retrieved May 3, 2015.
  8. Duckworth, Claire (July 11, 2016). "Max Kellerman Joins ESPN2's First Take July 25 – ESPN MediaZone". ESPN MediaZone. Retrieved January 21, 2020.
  9. Guthrie, Marisa (December 8, 2018). "'First Take' Host Max Kellerman Signs New Deal With ESPN". Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved January 20, 2020.
  10. First Take bids farewell to Max Kellerman on his final show. First Take. ESPN. September 1, 2021. Retrieved September 17, 2023 – via YouTube.
  11. Traina, Jimmy (September 15, 2023). "Stephen A. Smith on Max Kellerman: 'I Didn't Like Working With Him,' Says They Haven't Spoken". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved September 17, 2023.
  12. Hayes, Dade (June 30, 2023). "ESPN Cuts About 20 On-Air Personalities, Including Jeff Van Gundy, Jalen Rose, Max Kellerman And Keyshawn Johnson". Deadline.
  13. "The Wedding Bout". YouTube. August 15, 2007. Archived from the original on December 22, 2021. Retrieved September 18, 2011.
  14. Maglio, Tony (July 11, 2016). "Meet Max Kellerman: 9 Things to Know About Skip Bayless' Replacement (Photos)". TheWrap. Retrieved September 17, 2023.
  15. ^ "Boxer pleads guilty to death of sportswriter Kellerman". ESPN.com. March 27, 2006. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
  16. "Max Kellerman – Max Kellerman was born on August 6th 1973 and is b". Livetvcenter.com. Retrieved July 8, 2016.
  17. "Max Kellerman – Yiddish Book Center". www.yiddishbookcenter.org.
  18. Smith, Gary. "Blood Relations". Sports Illustrated, April 17, 2006 (Volume 104, No. 16), p. 58
  19. 'It is punishing to be a Giants fan right now' – Max Kellerman | KJM, September 27, 2021, retrieved January 11, 2022
  20. 'Are you going to be THAT guy?' Jeff Passan challenges Yankees fan Max Kellerman | First Take, September 29, 2020, retrieved January 11, 2022

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