Longtime boxing commentator Larry Merchant was rushed to a hospital in Los Angeles last night and is in the critical care unit, according to a report.
The 92-year-old broadcaster, best known for his long stint with HBO, was taken to a Los Angeles hospital around 6 p.m./Pt Thursday, according to TMZ, which sites sources with direct knowledge of the situation.
Merchant was a staple of HBO’s boxing coverage from 1978 until his retirement in 2012. He provided commentary for such HBO programs as HBO World Championship Boxing, HBO Boxing After Dark and various HBO pay-per-view boxing telecasts. He offered expert analysis opposite his longtime partner at the mic, Jim Lampley, who provided the blow-by-blow.
After HBO discontinued its regular boxing coverage in 2018, ESPN boxing analyst Dan Rafael, who considered Merchant among the all-time great boxing broadcasters, quoted Merchant as saying about HBO’s boxing coverage, “Once upon a time we were a promising kid.
The 92-year-old broadcaster, best known for his long stint with HBO, was taken to a Los Angeles hospital around 6 p.m./Pt Thursday, according to TMZ, which sites sources with direct knowledge of the situation.
Merchant was a staple of HBO’s boxing coverage from 1978 until his retirement in 2012. He provided commentary for such HBO programs as HBO World Championship Boxing, HBO Boxing After Dark and various HBO pay-per-view boxing telecasts. He offered expert analysis opposite his longtime partner at the mic, Jim Lampley, who provided the blow-by-blow.
After HBO discontinued its regular boxing coverage in 2018, ESPN boxing analyst Dan Rafael, who considered Merchant among the all-time great boxing broadcasters, quoted Merchant as saying about HBO’s boxing coverage, “Once upon a time we were a promising kid.
- 12/22/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
A new filing from Disney today indicates that profits from the company’s sports division have fallen 20% throughout the first nine months of 2023. Operating income for the brand’s sports arm dropped to $1.48 billion, and revenue fell to $13.2 billion, a decrease of 1.3%.
Disney has struggled with its sports programming as customers move away from traditional cable TV. The media giant has plans to offer an ESPN streaming service for those who have abandoned the brand’s cable channel.
This is the first time Disney has broken out numbers for ESPN and its sports division, which also includes Star-branded sports channels in India, eight domestic ESPN-branded channels, and ESPN on ABC.
According to the filing, the drop is primarily due to an operating loss at Star India sports. As a standalone business, ESPN’s operating income was $1.894 billion.
In July, Disney’s Chief Executive Bob Iger said the company hoped to...
Disney has struggled with its sports programming as customers move away from traditional cable TV. The media giant has plans to offer an ESPN streaming service for those who have abandoned the brand’s cable channel.
This is the first time Disney has broken out numbers for ESPN and its sports division, which also includes Star-branded sports channels in India, eight domestic ESPN-branded channels, and ESPN on ABC.
According to the filing, the drop is primarily due to an operating loss at Star India sports. As a standalone business, ESPN’s operating income was $1.894 billion.
In July, Disney’s Chief Executive Bob Iger said the company hoped to...
- 10/19/2023
- by Stephanie Kaloi
- The Wrap
The roller coaster of ESPN staffing news continued today, as NFL analyst Mina Kimes is set for what’s reported to be a massive new deal. The agreement is worth more than $1.7 million, according to the New York Post’s Andrew Marchand, and puts Kimes over seven figures for the first time.
“Kimes’ role with ESPN will basically stay the same,” reported Marchand. She will be featured on NFL Live and make other appearances on the network’s shows.
Additionally, Dan Le Batard announced this morning that Kimes had signed a new deal with former ESPN boss John Skipper’s Meadowlark Media. She will continue to appear on “The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz.”
Kimes will also reportedly continue her podcast, which is produced by Omaha Productions as part of the Peyton Manning-led company’s partnership with ESPN.
The announcements come one day after longtime football analyst Chris Mortensen announced his retirement,...
“Kimes’ role with ESPN will basically stay the same,” reported Marchand. She will be featured on NFL Live and make other appearances on the network’s shows.
Additionally, Dan Le Batard announced this morning that Kimes had signed a new deal with former ESPN boss John Skipper’s Meadowlark Media. She will continue to appear on “The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz.”
Kimes will also reportedly continue her podcast, which is produced by Omaha Productions as part of the Peyton Manning-led company’s partnership with ESPN.
The announcements come one day after longtime football analyst Chris Mortensen announced his retirement,...
- 9/7/2023
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
Updated, July 31: Longtime ESPN NBA announcer Mark Jackson has joined the ranks of on-air talent laid off of late by the network. Almost exactly a month ago, Jackson’s broadcast partner (and former coach) Jeff Van Gundy was among the 20-odd boldfaced names let go by the network. See the list below. Since then, speculation has abounded about Jackson’s fate. That speculation came to an end today.
Previously, June 30: On the same day ESPN ran special extended coverage of player comings and goings during NBA Free Agency, about 20 of the network’s top on-air talent found out they would be on the move, as well.
A person familiar with the cutbacks told Deadline they are unrelated to the multi-round Disney layoffs implemented in recent months. The source indicated that many of those affected by the new cuts have contracts beyond June 30 and will be paid out accordingly,...
Previously, June 30: On the same day ESPN ran special extended coverage of player comings and goings during NBA Free Agency, about 20 of the network’s top on-air talent found out they would be on the move, as well.
A person familiar with the cutbacks told Deadline they are unrelated to the multi-round Disney layoffs implemented in recent months. The source indicated that many of those affected by the new cuts have contracts beyond June 30 and will be paid out accordingly,...
- 8/1/2023
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
Paul Finebaum, an ESPN contributor for a decade, is weighing in on the layoffs that saw about 20 on-air personalities exit the sports network.
“It’s pretty tough, and I say that loving my job and loving the company,” Finebaum said during an appearance on The Marchand and Ourand Sports Media Podcast. “But it was the worst day in my 10 years at ESPN. I can’t explain Bob (Iger’s) thinking. I think you have to trust his track record, but it doesn’t really excuse the state of mind that a lot of us, if not all of us, were in.”
He continued, “And I say as an employee nobody knew Friday. Especially those of us who were on the air whether we would be around at the end of the day. I’ll spare you a lot of the things that have been said on Twitter and on social...
“It’s pretty tough, and I say that loving my job and loving the company,” Finebaum said during an appearance on The Marchand and Ourand Sports Media Podcast. “But it was the worst day in my 10 years at ESPN. I can’t explain Bob (Iger’s) thinking. I think you have to trust his track record, but it doesn’t really excuse the state of mind that a lot of us, if not all of us, were in.”
He continued, “And I say as an employee nobody knew Friday. Especially those of us who were on the air whether we would be around at the end of the day. I’ll spare you a lot of the things that have been said on Twitter and on social...
- 7/9/2023
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
News Nation anchor Dan Abrams says conservative commentators’ theories that ESPN is “going down” because of its left-leaning politics ignore some “expensive facts,” suggesting that the network fired 20 high-profile hosts after it overspent on things like Big 12 football games and celebrity sports analyst Pat McAfee.
The “Dan Abrams Live” host said Wednesday highlighted the analysis of Charlie Kirk and other right-leaning commentators who repeated the theory that ESPN’s “woke” politics somehow led to the firing of longtime lead NBA analyst Jeff Van Gundy, Jalen Rose, Steve Young, Suzy Kolber, Max Kellerman, Keyshawn Johnson and others.
“So what is driving this at ESPN?,” Kirk said in a clip played by Abrams. “The answer is, ESPN has gone woke, and they’re not as boundary-pushing or as funny or as interesting … this is happening because ESPN has decided to go a political route.”
Abrams acknowledged that the network had, in fact,...
The “Dan Abrams Live” host said Wednesday highlighted the analysis of Charlie Kirk and other right-leaning commentators who repeated the theory that ESPN’s “woke” politics somehow led to the firing of longtime lead NBA analyst Jeff Van Gundy, Jalen Rose, Steve Young, Suzy Kolber, Max Kellerman, Keyshawn Johnson and others.
“So what is driving this at ESPN?,” Kirk said in a clip played by Abrams. “The answer is, ESPN has gone woke, and they’re not as boundary-pushing or as funny or as interesting … this is happening because ESPN has decided to go a political route.”
Abrams acknowledged that the network had, in fact,...
- 7/6/2023
- by Josh Dickey
- The Wrap
Sports analyst Stephen A. Smith has responded to the laying off of more than a dozen of ESPN’s on-air personalities, and fears that more layoffs could very well be in the works. The staffers were all dropped by the network at the end of June as part of an overall cost-cutting measure at the network.
“ESPN laid off about 20 members of its on-air talent… friends of mine, actually, definitely respected colleagues who’d done a phenomenal job and deserved better,” he said on The Stephen A. Smith Show. “It’s not Disney or ESPN that they deserved better from,...
“ESPN laid off about 20 members of its on-air talent… friends of mine, actually, definitely respected colleagues who’d done a phenomenal job and deserved better,” he said on The Stephen A. Smith Show. “It’s not Disney or ESPN that they deserved better from,...
- 7/5/2023
- by Nick Caruso
- TVLine.com
Stephen A. Smith is opening up about the ESPN layoffs that saw about 20 on-air personalities become redundant at the sports network.
“ESPN laid off about 20 members of its on-air talent … friends of mine, actually, definitely respected colleagues who’d done a phenomenal job and deserved better,” the sports analyst said on The Stephen A. Smith Show. “It’s not Disney or ESPN that they deserved better from, they deserved better than the times we’re living in.”
Smith, who co-hosts First Take con ESPN, gave a shoutout to Jalen Rose saying that he had been doing an “outstanding job for us covering the NBA for years.”
Related: Pat McAfee Addresses Backlash Over ESPN “Mass Exits” & Says He’s “Pumped To Be Joining” Network
“Got a lot of love for that brother,” he added. “A lot of the great work he’s done over the years, what he’s represented for the company…...
“ESPN laid off about 20 members of its on-air talent … friends of mine, actually, definitely respected colleagues who’d done a phenomenal job and deserved better,” the sports analyst said on The Stephen A. Smith Show. “It’s not Disney or ESPN that they deserved better from, they deserved better than the times we’re living in.”
Smith, who co-hosts First Take con ESPN, gave a shoutout to Jalen Rose saying that he had been doing an “outstanding job for us covering the NBA for years.”
Related: Pat McAfee Addresses Backlash Over ESPN “Mass Exits” & Says He’s “Pumped To Be Joining” Network
“Got a lot of love for that brother,” he added. “A lot of the great work he’s done over the years, what he’s represented for the company…...
- 7/5/2023
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
Pat McAfee recently struck a deal to bring his namesake sports commentary show to ESPN. The former NFL player has been receiving backlash after the sports network announced layoffs and many viewers are correlating that it has to do with McAfee.
McAfee, who is also an analyst on ESPN’s College GameDay, took to Twitter to clear things up and address the “mass exits.”
“I did a lot of reflecting about our show’s journey while I was getting murdered on the internet today (hell yeah).. all roads lead back to how honored I am to be the leader of such a talented group and how lucky I am to be a part of this team,” he tweeted.
He continued, “We’re very pumped to be joining ESPN and our goal is that ‘Mass exits’ are never a thing again.. we hope to help that.. obviously that’s a lofty goal but,...
McAfee, who is also an analyst on ESPN’s College GameDay, took to Twitter to clear things up and address the “mass exits.”
“I did a lot of reflecting about our show’s journey while I was getting murdered on the internet today (hell yeah).. all roads lead back to how honored I am to be the leader of such a talented group and how lucky I am to be a part of this team,” he tweeted.
He continued, “We’re very pumped to be joining ESPN and our goal is that ‘Mass exits’ are never a thing again.. we hope to help that.. obviously that’s a lofty goal but,...
- 7/2/2023
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
ESPN has let go of about 20 on-air personalities who have now taken to social media to react to the news following the cuts.
David Pollack shared a message with his followers on Twitter after news broke that he was one of the talents who got laid off from the sports network.
“I won’t be brought back to College GameDay next year or to ESPN and just wanted to say thank you to so many people. I just appreciate everybody along the journey,” the former NFL player said in his video statement. “You know, 12-13 years ago, ESPN taking a chance on me and all the people that I got to work with.”
He continued, “I got to work with so many great people and do so many things, that was so awesome for so many years and I’m just very, very thankful for it. And I don’t know what’s next,...
David Pollack shared a message with his followers on Twitter after news broke that he was one of the talents who got laid off from the sports network.
“I won’t be brought back to College GameDay next year or to ESPN and just wanted to say thank you to so many people. I just appreciate everybody along the journey,” the former NFL player said in his video statement. “You know, 12-13 years ago, ESPN taking a chance on me and all the people that I got to work with.”
He continued, “I got to work with so many great people and do so many things, that was so awesome for so many years and I’m just very, very thankful for it. And I don’t know what’s next,...
- 7/1/2023
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
Cable TV viewers might think ESPN stands for Every Single Person Nixed, considering how many hosts, analysts, and reporters have gotten the boot in the company’s latest round of layoffs. Joining the previously-announced Jeff Van Mundy and Jalen Rose on the list of ESPN cuts are Monday Night Countdown host Suzy Kolber, ESPN Radio host Keyshawn Johnson, and This Just In host Max Kellerman. “Today I join the many hard-working colleagues who have been laid off,” Kolber tweeted on Friday, June 30. “Heartbreaking — but 27 years at ESPN was a good run. So grateful for a 38-year career! Longevity for a woman in this business is something I’m especially proud of. Next step — a project that gives back.” Today I join the many hard-working colleagues who have been laid off. Heartbreaking-but 27 years at ESPN was a good run. So grateful for a 38 yr career! Longevity for a woman in this...
- 7/1/2023
- TV Insider
ESPN personalities Suzy Kolber, Ashley Brewer and Jordan Cornette were among those taking to social media Friday to reflect on being part of the Disney-backed channel’s layoffs announced earlier in the day.
The Hollywood Reporter previously reported that roughly 20 people were informed Friday that they were let go, with a source saying that the talent cuts were related to financial concerns specific to ESPN and did not stem from larger budget issues for Disney. ESPN veterans Jeff Van Gundy, Max Kellerman, Keyshawn Johnson and Jalen Rose were also among the cuts, according to a source.
Kolber had been with the network since the 1990s and was known for her NFL coverage and having served as an anchor on flagship news program SportsCenter.
“Today I join the many hard-working colleagues who have been laid off,” Kolber tweeted, sharing a photo of herself covering the most recent NFL draft in April.
The Hollywood Reporter previously reported that roughly 20 people were informed Friday that they were let go, with a source saying that the talent cuts were related to financial concerns specific to ESPN and did not stem from larger budget issues for Disney. ESPN veterans Jeff Van Gundy, Max Kellerman, Keyshawn Johnson and Jalen Rose were also among the cuts, according to a source.
Kolber had been with the network since the 1990s and was known for her NFL coverage and having served as an anchor on flagship news program SportsCenter.
“Today I join the many hard-working colleagues who have been laid off,” Kolber tweeted, sharing a photo of herself covering the most recent NFL draft in April.
- 6/30/2023
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
ESPN’s Jeff Van Gundy, Max Kellerman, Keyshawn Johnson, Jalen Rose and Laphonso Ellis are among a group of around 20 on-air personalities being cut as part of an effort to generate “millions” of additional cost savings by the sports network.
A person familiar with the matter confirmed the affected talent were being notified Friday they will no longer appear on ESPN’s platforms, all of whom are currently under contract extensions.
The person noted that those individuals will receive a full payout allotted under their contract and that they could renegotiate the terms of their contract if they are able to find a new opportunity to go elsewhere and do other work before their contract expires.
Also Read:
Neil Everett Recalls Denzel Washington Knew Him Like Family in Look Back After ESPN Exit: He Said, ‘I Watch You Every Night!’ (Video)
An undisclosed number of ESPN employees were previously impacted...
A person familiar with the matter confirmed the affected talent were being notified Friday they will no longer appear on ESPN’s platforms, all of whom are currently under contract extensions.
The person noted that those individuals will receive a full payout allotted under their contract and that they could renegotiate the terms of their contract if they are able to find a new opportunity to go elsewhere and do other work before their contract expires.
Also Read:
Neil Everett Recalls Denzel Washington Knew Him Like Family in Look Back After ESPN Exit: He Said, ‘I Watch You Every Night!’ (Video)
An undisclosed number of ESPN employees were previously impacted...
- 6/30/2023
- by Lucas Manfredi
- The Wrap
More than a dozen on-air personalities are being dropped by ESPN as part of an overall cost-cutting measure at the network.
NFL great Keyshawn Johnson, who became one of ESPN Radio’s top morning show personalities; Johnson’s former co-host Max Kellerman; basketball coach-turned-analyst Jeff Van Gundy; and NBA star Jalen Rose, who went on to become a commentator for the network, have all been let go, our sister site Deadline reports.
More from TVLineTVLine Items: ESPN's Serena Williams Docuseries, Joe Pickett Trailer and MoreNFL, ESPN Clash Over On-Air Reports That Teams Were Given '5 Minutes' to Warm Up, After...
NFL great Keyshawn Johnson, who became one of ESPN Radio’s top morning show personalities; Johnson’s former co-host Max Kellerman; basketball coach-turned-analyst Jeff Van Gundy; and NBA star Jalen Rose, who went on to become a commentator for the network, have all been let go, our sister site Deadline reports.
More from TVLineTVLine Items: ESPN's Serena Williams Docuseries, Joe Pickett Trailer and MoreNFL, ESPN Clash Over On-Air Reports That Teams Were Given '5 Minutes' to Warm Up, After...
- 6/30/2023
- by Andy Swift
- TVLine.com
ESPN is letting go of about 20 on-air personalities, including two familiar names to NBA viewers: game analyst Jeff Van Gundy and studio co-host Jalen Rose.
Keyshawn Johnson, a former NFL player who had co-hosted ESPN Radio’s national morning show in one of many chapters in a 16-year run on ESPN, is also among those leaving. Also out is Max Kellerman, Johnson’s radio co-host as well as host of This Just In and formerly Stephen A. Smith’s longtime sparring partner on daily morning TV staple First Take. Suzy Kolber, a 27-year veteran of ESPN who most recently hosted Monday Night Countdown, also confirmed her exit. While she described the end of her run as “heartbreaking” in a tweet, she also said she was “grateful,” noting that “longevity for a woman in this business is something I am especially proud of.”
A person familiar with the cutbacks told Deadline...
Keyshawn Johnson, a former NFL player who had co-hosted ESPN Radio’s national morning show in one of many chapters in a 16-year run on ESPN, is also among those leaving. Also out is Max Kellerman, Johnson’s radio co-host as well as host of This Just In and formerly Stephen A. Smith’s longtime sparring partner on daily morning TV staple First Take. Suzy Kolber, a 27-year veteran of ESPN who most recently hosted Monday Night Countdown, also confirmed her exit. While she described the end of her run as “heartbreaking” in a tweet, she also said she was “grateful,” noting that “longevity for a woman in this business is something I am especially proud of.”
A person familiar with the cutbacks told Deadline...
- 6/30/2023
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
More players are leaving the field at ESPN.
Max Kellerman, the TV host, Keyshawn Johnson, the morning-show personality, Jeff Van Gundy, the veteran basketball analyst, and Jalen Rose, the NBA-player-turned-commentator, are all exiting the Disney sports-media giant, according to two people familiar with the matter, as executives look for ways to prune costs at the operation as its parent corporation grapples with seismic changes in its business.
“Given the current environment, ESPN has determined it necessary to identify some additional cost savings in the area of public-facing commentator salaries, and that process has begun,” the company said in a statement. “This exercise will include a small group of job cuts in the short-term and an ongoing focus on managing costs when we negotiate individual contract renewals in the months ahead. This is an extremely challenging process, involving individuals who have had tremendous impact on our company. These difficult decisions, based...
Max Kellerman, the TV host, Keyshawn Johnson, the morning-show personality, Jeff Van Gundy, the veteran basketball analyst, and Jalen Rose, the NBA-player-turned-commentator, are all exiting the Disney sports-media giant, according to two people familiar with the matter, as executives look for ways to prune costs at the operation as its parent corporation grapples with seismic changes in its business.
“Given the current environment, ESPN has determined it necessary to identify some additional cost savings in the area of public-facing commentator salaries, and that process has begun,” the company said in a statement. “This exercise will include a small group of job cuts in the short-term and an ongoing focus on managing costs when we negotiate individual contract renewals in the months ahead. This is an extremely challenging process, involving individuals who have had tremendous impact on our company. These difficult decisions, based...
- 6/30/2023
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
ESPN is cutting a number of on-air personalities Friday as it seeks further cost savings.
The new round includes “a small group of job cuts,” as well as “an ongoing focus on managing costs when we negotiate individual contract renewals in the months ahead,” per an ESPN statement.
A source familiar with the cuts tells The Hollywood Reporter that about 20 people are being notified today, including some big names that regular ESPN viewers will know.
Among the cuts, a source confirms, is Jeff Van Gundy, the channel’s top NBA game analyst and a 16-year veteran of ESPN. Also departing are ESPN veterans Max Kellerman, Suzy Kolber, Keyshawn Johnson and Jalen Rose.
“Given the current environment, ESPN has determined it necessary to identify some additional cost savings in the area of public-facing commentator salaries, and that process has begun,” the ESPN statement says. “This is an extremely challenging process, involving...
The new round includes “a small group of job cuts,” as well as “an ongoing focus on managing costs when we negotiate individual contract renewals in the months ahead,” per an ESPN statement.
A source familiar with the cuts tells The Hollywood Reporter that about 20 people are being notified today, including some big names that regular ESPN viewers will know.
Among the cuts, a source confirms, is Jeff Van Gundy, the channel’s top NBA game analyst and a 16-year veteran of ESPN. Also departing are ESPN veterans Max Kellerman, Suzy Kolber, Keyshawn Johnson and Jalen Rose.
“Given the current environment, ESPN has determined it necessary to identify some additional cost savings in the area of public-facing commentator salaries, and that process has begun,” the ESPN statement says. “This is an extremely challenging process, involving...
- 6/30/2023
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Rob Ninkovich’s ESPN contract won’t be renewed, continuing cutbacks of ESPN’s television and radio teams.
Front Office Sports reported the news Friday. Ninkovich joined ESPN in 2019.
A former New England Patriot and two-time Super Bowl champion, Ninkovich was on-air personality on programs including “NFL Live,” “Get Up,” and “SportsCenter.”
Front Office Sports reported his contract will expire this summer.
ESPN cut its national morning radio show with Keyshawn Johnson, Jay Williams and Max Kellerman earlier this month. It also said farewell to SportsCenter” anchor Neil Everett, who had been with ESPN for 23 years. NHL analyst Chris Chelios was also axed.
Front Office Sports reported the news Friday. Ninkovich joined ESPN in 2019.
A former New England Patriot and two-time Super Bowl champion, Ninkovich was on-air personality on programs including “NFL Live,” “Get Up,” and “SportsCenter.”
Front Office Sports reported his contract will expire this summer.
ESPN cut its national morning radio show with Keyshawn Johnson, Jay Williams and Max Kellerman earlier this month. It also said farewell to SportsCenter” anchor Neil Everett, who had been with ESPN for 23 years. NHL analyst Chris Chelios was also axed.
- 6/24/2023
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
“Around the Horn” (Ath) is a television sports show on ESPN. It’s like your favorite sports radio show, but on steroids, not the same as “Round the Horne.”
As you read this, you are probably wondering where you can watch the new episodes of “Around the Horn.” Well, there are a few options.
For starters, new episodes will be posted on Twitter after airing on ESPN. Episodes will also include graphics from the show and any customized segments made for the Twitter format. This usually gets posted around 7-8 p.m. Et.
Also, ESPN3 On-Demand adds new episodes each day at 9 a.m. Et. After 1 p.m. Et, if an episode has not been added, you can assume that it is “Behind the Bets.” Episodes will be replayed daily at 8 a.m. Et and 8 p.m. Et.
Finally, full shows are uploaded daily to YouTube at 8 a.m. Et and 8 p.
As you read this, you are probably wondering where you can watch the new episodes of “Around the Horn.” Well, there are a few options.
For starters, new episodes will be posted on Twitter after airing on ESPN. Episodes will also include graphics from the show and any customized segments made for the Twitter format. This usually gets posted around 7-8 p.m. Et.
Also, ESPN3 On-Demand adds new episodes each day at 9 a.m. Et. After 1 p.m. Et, if an episode has not been added, you can assume that it is “Behind the Bets.” Episodes will be replayed daily at 8 a.m. Et and 8 p.m. Et.
Finally, full shows are uploaded daily to YouTube at 8 a.m. Et and 8 p.
- 8/24/2022
- by Buddy TV
- buddytv.com
Whether you’re an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers or have dreams of being courtside at a Celtics game, ESPN’s “First Take” has the commentary you need to stay up to date with all trending sports news.
You can stream all the episodes of “First Take” on the ESPN app from any device and ESPN.com.
Live episodes of the show air Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until noon Est. However, you can catch repeat episodes on ESPN2 every day at noon Est and on ESPN News from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Est. Past episodes of the show are also uploaded on ESPN’s YouTube channel.
Let’s get into other interesting facts about ESPN’s “First Take.”
What Does “First Take” Talk About?
“First Take” is a debate show where the host, Molly Qerim Rose, is joined by commentator Stephen A. Smith and other A-list guests and analysts.
You can stream all the episodes of “First Take” on the ESPN app from any device and ESPN.com.
Live episodes of the show air Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until noon Est. However, you can catch repeat episodes on ESPN2 every day at noon Est and on ESPN News from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Est. Past episodes of the show are also uploaded on ESPN’s YouTube channel.
Let’s get into other interesting facts about ESPN’s “First Take.”
What Does “First Take” Talk About?
“First Take” is a debate show where the host, Molly Qerim Rose, is joined by commentator Stephen A. Smith and other A-list guests and analysts.
- 4/19/2022
- by Buddy TV
- buddytv.com
Katie Nolan, a one-time rising star at ESPN after being lured from Fox Sports, announced today online that she’s leaving the sports network.
“I’ve thought about sending this tweet for weeks and I still have no clue how to make it not make you all roll your eyes,” Nolan wrote on Twitter. “Alas: the obvious thing has happened. I no longer work at ESPN. I’m really grateful for my time here. I made incredible friendships and valuable mistakes.”
Nolan seemed to be on a rocket toward sports stardom when she left Fox in 2016 to move to ESPN. She received a hefty raise for the move and reportedly topped $1 million per year.
But despite lots of attention, Nolan’s star never really shined at ESPN. She hosted a podcast titled Sports? and a TV show called Always Late, which ran on ESPN+ and later ESPN2. Both featured Nolan’s sometimes salty commentary.
“I’ve thought about sending this tweet for weeks and I still have no clue how to make it not make you all roll your eyes,” Nolan wrote on Twitter. “Alas: the obvious thing has happened. I no longer work at ESPN. I’m really grateful for my time here. I made incredible friendships and valuable mistakes.”
Nolan seemed to be on a rocket toward sports stardom when she left Fox in 2016 to move to ESPN. She received a hefty raise for the move and reportedly topped $1 million per year.
But despite lots of attention, Nolan’s star never really shined at ESPN. She hosted a podcast titled Sports? and a TV show called Always Late, which ran on ESPN+ and later ESPN2. Both featured Nolan’s sometimes salty commentary.
- 9/30/2021
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
ESPN host Stephen A. Smith has a reputation for shooting from the hip with outrageous takes on sports issues. Today, he turned the attention on himself, candidly admitting his role in having First Take co-host Max Kellerman removed from the show.
First Take is one of the highest-rated ESPN shows, although its audience has dwindled since Skip Bayless left for Fox in 2016. The Smith-Kellerman marriage resulted from that, but apparently soured over the long term, according to Smith, who talked to Hot 97 radio’s Ebro Darden and Peter Rosenberg..
“The rumor’s accurate in terms of me wanting him off the show,” Smith said of Kellerman. It “was not a great partnership anymore and that was something that needed to change.”
Smith felt that the team had hit a wall.
“It wasn’t really about asking him to be off the show, it was about the fact that I knew that we,...
First Take is one of the highest-rated ESPN shows, although its audience has dwindled since Skip Bayless left for Fox in 2016. The Smith-Kellerman marriage resulted from that, but apparently soured over the long term, according to Smith, who talked to Hot 97 radio’s Ebro Darden and Peter Rosenberg..
“The rumor’s accurate in terms of me wanting him off the show,” Smith said of Kellerman. It “was not a great partnership anymore and that was something that needed to change.”
Smith felt that the team had hit a wall.
“It wasn’t really about asking him to be off the show, it was about the fact that I knew that we,...
- 9/10/2021
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
ESPN said it would place sports host Max Kellerman in a new mid-afternoon program after taking him off the popular hot-talk show “First Take” last month, unveiling a daytime schedule it hopes will keep viewers interested for a longer period of time.
Kellerman’s new program, “This Just In,” will debut September 14 at 2 p.m., and offer news, opinion and analysis of trending sports headlines as well as looking ahead at potential sports news from the evening ahead. Kellerman is slated to be joined by several of ESPN’s sports insiders and analysts each day.
“With the addition of ‘This Just In,’ we’ve added yet another opportunity for live reaction in a key timeslot,” said Norby Williamson, ESPN’s executive vice president and executive editor, production, in a statement. “Max is always able to successfully connect and resonate with fans in meaningful ways across platforms and it’s great...
Kellerman’s new program, “This Just In,” will debut September 14 at 2 p.m., and offer news, opinion and analysis of trending sports headlines as well as looking ahead at potential sports news from the evening ahead. Kellerman is slated to be joined by several of ESPN’s sports insiders and analysts each day.
“With the addition of ‘This Just In,’ we’ve added yet another opportunity for live reaction in a key timeslot,” said Norby Williamson, ESPN’s executive vice president and executive editor, production, in a statement. “Max is always able to successfully connect and resonate with fans in meaningful ways across platforms and it’s great...
- 9/9/2021
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
ESPN today announced Tim Tebow as one of the initial debate partners on Stephen A. Smith’s First Take.
Tebow, who was cut from the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars in his latest pro sports comeback attempt, will appear with Smith on Fridays. The show has also slotted ex-Dallas receiver and Pro Football Hall of Famer Michael Irvin on Mondays.
The other days will feature a rotating cast of ESPN personalities, including Mina Kimes and Kendrick Perkins. Molly Qerim Rose will remain on the show as a moderator. The multiple hosts replace Max Kellerman, who will be moving to his own afternoon show and morning radio stint for ESPN.
Tebow likely will have his hands full taking on the bombastic Smith. The highly religious 2007 Heisman Trophy winner isn’t known for a mean streak and outrageous comments, something Smith has in abundance.
Kellerman made his final appearance on the show Wednesday.
Tebow, who was cut from the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars in his latest pro sports comeback attempt, will appear with Smith on Fridays. The show has also slotted ex-Dallas receiver and Pro Football Hall of Famer Michael Irvin on Mondays.
The other days will feature a rotating cast of ESPN personalities, including Mina Kimes and Kendrick Perkins. Molly Qerim Rose will remain on the show as a moderator. The multiple hosts replace Max Kellerman, who will be moving to his own afternoon show and morning radio stint for ESPN.
Tebow likely will have his hands full taking on the bombastic Smith. The highly religious 2007 Heisman Trophy winner isn’t known for a mean streak and outrageous comments, something Smith has in abundance.
Kellerman made his final appearance on the show Wednesday.
- 9/3/2021
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Michael Irvin and Tim Tebow will be among the guest rotation on “First Take” that appear opposite its now solo star Stephen A. Smith.
Irvin will join the show on Mondays during the NFL season, while Tebow (who was attempting an NFL comeback as tight end with the Jacksonville Jaguars) will bookend each week on Fridays.
During the week, the guest commentators will include Paul Finebaum, Keyshawn Johnson, Mina Kimes, Kimberley A. Martin, Monica McNutt, Jessica Mendoza, Chiney Ogwumike, Dan Orlovsky, Kendrick Perkins, Marcus Spears, Brian Windhorst and Damien Woody.
“This new format will pair Smith with new voices and perspectives every day of the week who will challenge him on their specific area of expertise in a completely new way,” said Antoine Lewis, senior coordinating producer, ‘First Take.’ “Stephen A., Molly and a lineup of A-list guests will definitely continue to provide fans with all they’ve come to...
Irvin will join the show on Mondays during the NFL season, while Tebow (who was attempting an NFL comeback as tight end with the Jacksonville Jaguars) will bookend each week on Fridays.
During the week, the guest commentators will include Paul Finebaum, Keyshawn Johnson, Mina Kimes, Kimberley A. Martin, Monica McNutt, Jessica Mendoza, Chiney Ogwumike, Dan Orlovsky, Kendrick Perkins, Marcus Spears, Brian Windhorst and Damien Woody.
“This new format will pair Smith with new voices and perspectives every day of the week who will challenge him on their specific area of expertise in a completely new way,” said Antoine Lewis, senior coordinating producer, ‘First Take.’ “Stephen A., Molly and a lineup of A-list guests will definitely continue to provide fans with all they’ve come to...
- 9/2/2021
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
With the NBA preseason set to start in about six weeks, ESPN has removed Rachel Nichols from its coverage of the league and canceled what is arguably its flagship NBA-focused show, The Jump, which Nichols fronted.
Nichols’ last appearance on the show was August 16. Since then, it has been hosted by ESPN NBA reporter Malika Andrews.
The cascade of events started this summer, when the New York Times reported on leaked comments made by Nichols, who is white, and another of the network’s highest-profile female hosts Maria Taylor, who is Black.
That led to a cascade of changes which saw Nichols removed from the networks NBA Finals coverage and Taylor, who subsequently left the network, elevated to hosting that coverage.
David Roberts, who this month was tapped to lead ESPN’s NBA production, including event and studio productions, said the following in a statement.
“We mutually agreed that this...
Nichols’ last appearance on the show was August 16. Since then, it has been hosted by ESPN NBA reporter Malika Andrews.
The cascade of events started this summer, when the New York Times reported on leaked comments made by Nichols, who is white, and another of the network’s highest-profile female hosts Maria Taylor, who is Black.
That led to a cascade of changes which saw Nichols removed from the networks NBA Finals coverage and Taylor, who subsequently left the network, elevated to hosting that coverage.
David Roberts, who this month was tapped to lead ESPN’s NBA production, including event and studio productions, said the following in a statement.
“We mutually agreed that this...
- 8/25/2021
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
ESPN host Stephen A. Smith is tightening his grip on daytime talk mainstay First Take, as co-host Max Kellerman is departing the show and making way for rotating co-hosts.
Kellerman had appeared on the show alongside Smith and Molly Qerim Rose since July 2016. Soon after Kellerman boarded as co-host, the show was upgraded from ESPN2 to ESPN, where it has been a steady ratings draw and a defining tentpole of the network’s daytime hot-take factory. Kellerman replaced Skip Bayless, who decamped for FS1.
The change in personnel on First Take, which had been speculated about in recent days, was made official today by the Disney-owned sports network. In an announcement of new radio programming, ESPN said Kellerman would expand his work on ESPN Radio from two hours a day to four and also host a to-be-determined TV series. On the radio, he will join a new morning program in...
Kellerman had appeared on the show alongside Smith and Molly Qerim Rose since July 2016. Soon after Kellerman boarded as co-host, the show was upgraded from ESPN2 to ESPN, where it has been a steady ratings draw and a defining tentpole of the network’s daytime hot-take factory. Kellerman replaced Skip Bayless, who decamped for FS1.
The change in personnel on First Take, which had been speculated about in recent days, was made official today by the Disney-owned sports network. In an announcement of new radio programming, ESPN said Kellerman would expand his work on ESPN Radio from two hours a day to four and also host a to-be-determined TV series. On the radio, he will join a new morning program in...
- 8/24/2021
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
ESPN’s Max Kellerman is exiting “First Take,” the morning show he has co-hosted since 2016.
The announcement of Kellerman’s exit from the show came Tuesday, when ESPN unveiled its revamped radio lineup, with Kellerman set to join the morning talk show “Keyshawn, JWill & Max” — previously known as “Keyshawn, JWill & Zubin” until co-host Zubin Mehenti departed due to health issues.
Kellerman has appeared on ESPN’s popular “First Take” alongside Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim Rose since July 2016, when he replaced Skip Bayless. No replacement for Kellerman was named, but the network alluded to an “updated format” for the show in its announcement Tuesday. Previous reports have suggested that Smith will not get a new regular co-host but will be joined by a rotating series of guests moving forward.
In addition to joining ESPN Radio’s morning lineup, Kellerman will also get a new series on the television network,...
The announcement of Kellerman’s exit from the show came Tuesday, when ESPN unveiled its revamped radio lineup, with Kellerman set to join the morning talk show “Keyshawn, JWill & Max” — previously known as “Keyshawn, JWill & Zubin” until co-host Zubin Mehenti departed due to health issues.
Kellerman has appeared on ESPN’s popular “First Take” alongside Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim Rose since July 2016, when he replaced Skip Bayless. No replacement for Kellerman was named, but the network alluded to an “updated format” for the show in its announcement Tuesday. Previous reports have suggested that Smith will not get a new regular co-host but will be joined by a rotating series of guests moving forward.
In addition to joining ESPN Radio’s morning lineup, Kellerman will also get a new series on the television network,...
- 8/24/2021
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
Stephen A. Smith says he’s “sincerely sorry” for his comments about baseball star Shohei Ohtani.
The ESPN commentator tweeted out a lengthy apology on Monday after his statements on the morning talk show First Take — that Ohtani, a native of Japan, “contributes to harming the game” by not speaking fluent English and using a translator — went viral and drew widespread backlash.
More from TVLineESPN's Stephen A. Smith: Japanese Baseball Player Who's Not Fluent in English Is 'Harming the Game' — WatchRachel Nichols to Sit Out NBA Finals on ABC, After Remarks About ESPN Colleague Maria Taylor Come to LightSportsCenter Host...
The ESPN commentator tweeted out a lengthy apology on Monday after his statements on the morning talk show First Take — that Ohtani, a native of Japan, “contributes to harming the game” by not speaking fluent English and using a translator — went viral and drew widespread backlash.
More from TVLineESPN's Stephen A. Smith: Japanese Baseball Player Who's Not Fluent in English Is 'Harming the Game' — WatchRachel Nichols to Sit Out NBA Finals on ABC, After Remarks About ESPN Colleague Maria Taylor Come to LightSportsCenter Host...
- 7/13/2021
- by Dave Nemetz
- TVLine.com
Skip Bayless is sticking around at Fox Sports, but only after his old home tried to woo him back.
Bayless, the handsomely paid sportscaster who left ESPN in 2016, turned down a chance to return to his old network, an individual with knowledge of the situation told TheWrap. Not only that, Bayless would have reunited with his “First Take” co-host Stephen A. Smith for an ESPN+ show; the streaming service was the driving force behind the talks, the individual added.
ESPN declined to comment.
Bayless ended up signing a new four-year deal to remain with Fox Sports, according to the New York Post, who first reported Bayless’ ESPN talks. The Post added that Bayless’ new deal is for $32 million over those four years.
A rep for Fox Sports declined to comment.
On ESPN’s side of things, the news shows how much of a priority ESPN+ has become. The streaming service,...
Bayless, the handsomely paid sportscaster who left ESPN in 2016, turned down a chance to return to his old network, an individual with knowledge of the situation told TheWrap. Not only that, Bayless would have reunited with his “First Take” co-host Stephen A. Smith for an ESPN+ show; the streaming service was the driving force behind the talks, the individual added.
ESPN declined to comment.
Bayless ended up signing a new four-year deal to remain with Fox Sports, according to the New York Post, who first reported Bayless’ ESPN talks. The Post added that Bayless’ new deal is for $32 million over those four years.
A rep for Fox Sports declined to comment.
On ESPN’s side of things, the news shows how much of a priority ESPN+ has become. The streaming service,...
- 3/4/2021
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
“First Take” co-host Max Kellerman had some harsh words for SEC football fans Thursday morning, labeling them as being “easy to propagandize” and “almost immune to facts.”
Kellerman was responding to his co-host Stephen A. Smith’s assertion that the SEC canceling or delaying football this fall would have political consequences for President Donald Trump. Kellerman disagreed with Smith’s argument, claiming that the southeastern part of the country is Trump’s base and they will allow the president to “shift the blame” to someone, or something, else.
“You made the argument a couple weeks ago, you thought if SEC football wasn’t played that could swing the general election because people in Trump’s base would be very upset that they didn’t have football, which is practically a religion down there,” Kellerman said in the video you watch above. “I disagreed because [Trump] would simply shift blame because the pandemic is raging.
Kellerman was responding to his co-host Stephen A. Smith’s assertion that the SEC canceling or delaying football this fall would have political consequences for President Donald Trump. Kellerman disagreed with Smith’s argument, claiming that the southeastern part of the country is Trump’s base and they will allow the president to “shift the blame” to someone, or something, else.
“You made the argument a couple weeks ago, you thought if SEC football wasn’t played that could swing the general election because people in Trump’s base would be very upset that they didn’t have football, which is practically a religion down there,” Kellerman said in the video you watch above. “I disagreed because [Trump] would simply shift blame because the pandemic is raging.
- 8/27/2020
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Top CAA agent Nick Khan, who was Co-Head of Television, is departing the agency to join client WWE as President & Chief Revenue Officer, reporting directly to WWE Chairman & CEO Vince McMahon.
Khan fills the void left by the January exit of Co-Presidents George Barrios and Michelle Wilson who were ousted in January amid a rocky last year for the company. Unlike other sports franchises, which were shut down by the coronavirus pandemic in March, WWE continued to produce its flagship weekly TV series, Raw and SmackDown. Still, it too has been grappling with the effects from the pandemic, along with declining TV ratings.
“Nick is a seasoned media executive with a deep understanding of our business and a proven track record of generating significant value for sports and entertainment properties,” said McMahon. “While representing WWE at CAA, he was instrumental in transforming our business model by securing domestic media rights...
Khan fills the void left by the January exit of Co-Presidents George Barrios and Michelle Wilson who were ousted in January amid a rocky last year for the company. Unlike other sports franchises, which were shut down by the coronavirus pandemic in March, WWE continued to produce its flagship weekly TV series, Raw and SmackDown. Still, it too has been grappling with the effects from the pandemic, along with declining TV ratings.
“Nick is a seasoned media executive with a deep understanding of our business and a proven track record of generating significant value for sports and entertainment properties,” said McMahon. “While representing WWE at CAA, he was instrumental in transforming our business model by securing domestic media rights...
- 8/5/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Mike Greenberg must move fast as the host of ESPN’s “Get Up” each weekday morning. He’s hoping a new radio gig in the afternoons will give him the chance he needs to slow things down.
“On the TV show, we are just flying through stuff. The average interview on my show in the morning is – a long interview for us is six or seven minutes. On the radio, I could see us doing 15, 16, 17 minutes when the circumstances call for it,” says Greenberg, in an interview that is just a little longer than the time he wants for radio sessions. “It’s not every day that you have the right opportunities and the right subject matter to do that.”
Greenberg is making a return to familiar territory but hoping to blaze a different path when he gets there. His new program, “Greeny” – ESPN originally called it “The Mike Greenberg Show,...
“On the TV show, we are just flying through stuff. The average interview on my show in the morning is – a long interview for us is six or seven minutes. On the radio, I could see us doing 15, 16, 17 minutes when the circumstances call for it,” says Greenberg, in an interview that is just a little longer than the time he wants for radio sessions. “It’s not every day that you have the right opportunities and the right subject matter to do that.”
Greenberg is making a return to familiar territory but hoping to blaze a different path when he gets there. His new program, “Greeny” – ESPN originally called it “The Mike Greenberg Show,...
- 7/28/2020
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
ESPN said it would cancel its flagship morning radio program, “Golic & WIngo,” while bringing Mike Greenberg, half of the team that helped the Disney sports-media giant carve a bigger business in the audio world, back to the medium as part of a reworking of its national lineup.
Greenberg, who spent 17 years with co-host Mike Golic on the morning radio program “Mike & Mike,” will keep his duties on the ESPN mid-morning TV program, “Get Up,” which he has helped anchor since the Spring of 2018. But he will also lead a new two-hour radio show that airs between noon and 2 p.m. weekdays. His former partner, Mike Golic will leave mornings along with Trey Wingo. The pair has hosted their program since November of 2017.
“Our new lineup will provide sports fans informative and engaging content throughout the week from hosts who all have radio experience,” said Norby Williamson, ESPN’s executive vice president and executive editor,...
Greenberg, who spent 17 years with co-host Mike Golic on the morning radio program “Mike & Mike,” will keep his duties on the ESPN mid-morning TV program, “Get Up,” which he has helped anchor since the Spring of 2018. But he will also lead a new two-hour radio show that airs between noon and 2 p.m. weekdays. His former partner, Mike Golic will leave mornings along with Trey Wingo. The pair has hosted their program since November of 2017.
“Our new lineup will provide sports fans informative and engaging content throughout the week from hosts who all have radio experience,” said Norby Williamson, ESPN’s executive vice president and executive editor,...
- 7/7/2020
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Nothing keeps Stephen A. Smith from saying what he wants on ESPN’s popular “First Take.” Except for faulty wi-fi.
Magic Johnson joined the late-morning show on May 4, ready to hash it out with Smith and his regular co-hosts, Max Kellerman and Molly Qerim Rose. But as Smith prepared to ask the basketball great a few questions, he quickly found he could not. “I got cut off,” he explains, thanks to an outage around his home in New Jersey, where he is working remotely due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. “I had to call in for the interview because they lost me on camera. Those are the things that you have to start working with” in an era when nearly every TV program has been disrupted.
Smith is among the legions of popular show hosts who are trying to cope with new — and in the world of 2020, often...
Magic Johnson joined the late-morning show on May 4, ready to hash it out with Smith and his regular co-hosts, Max Kellerman and Molly Qerim Rose. But as Smith prepared to ask the basketball great a few questions, he quickly found he could not. “I got cut off,” he explains, thanks to an outage around his home in New Jersey, where he is working remotely due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. “I had to call in for the interview because they lost me on camera. Those are the things that you have to start working with” in an era when nearly every TV program has been disrupted.
Smith is among the legions of popular show hosts who are trying to cope with new — and in the world of 2020, often...
- 5/13/2020
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Executives at ESPN had high hopes in the Spring of 2018 when they launched a new morning program called “Get Up!” Within weeks, they were wondering whether they ought to put the show down.
The Disney-owned sports network saw the new program as a way to give viewers something other than another hour of its near-ubiquitous “SportsCenter,” and as a bid to offer colorful analysis and opinion in an era when sports facts and stats can be called up on a smart phone at a moment’s notice. The network even took up space in a waterfront studio in New York’s South Street Seaport; mounted cameras outside to get shots of the rolling surf; and set up little studio nooks where hosts and guests could hold one-on-one conversations. And then ESPN dispatched three top prospects – popular radio host Mike Greenberg; outspoken and unflappable Michelle Beadle; and former Indiana Pacer Jalen Rose...
The Disney-owned sports network saw the new program as a way to give viewers something other than another hour of its near-ubiquitous “SportsCenter,” and as a bid to offer colorful analysis and opinion in an era when sports facts and stats can be called up on a smart phone at a moment’s notice. The network even took up space in a waterfront studio in New York’s South Street Seaport; mounted cameras outside to get shots of the rolling surf; and set up little studio nooks where hosts and guests could hold one-on-one conversations. And then ESPN dispatched three top prospects – popular radio host Mike Greenberg; outspoken and unflappable Michelle Beadle; and former Indiana Pacer Jalen Rose...
- 1/30/2020
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Cari Champion is leaving ESPN, the “SportsCenter” anchor announced on Thursday.
“After consulting with mentors, family and friends, I have come to the decision that it’s time to leave ESPN,” Champion wrote on her Twitter account Thursday. “Over the past 7 years, I’ve grown from hosting First Take to having my own show on SportsCenter, and experiencing so much more in between.” She continued: “ESPN will always be apart of my legacy and I am proud to have been a part of theirs. I’m excited about the next chapter and will share soon!”
After consulting with mentors, family and friends, I have come to the decision that it’s time to leave ESPN. Over the past 7 years, I’ve grown from hosting First Take to having my own show on SportsCenter, and experiencing so much more in between.
— Cari Champion (@CariChampion) January 9, 2020
ESPN will always be apart of...
“After consulting with mentors, family and friends, I have come to the decision that it’s time to leave ESPN,” Champion wrote on her Twitter account Thursday. “Over the past 7 years, I’ve grown from hosting First Take to having my own show on SportsCenter, and experiencing so much more in between.” She continued: “ESPN will always be apart of my legacy and I am proud to have been a part of theirs. I’m excited about the next chapter and will share soon!”
After consulting with mentors, family and friends, I have come to the decision that it’s time to leave ESPN. Over the past 7 years, I’ve grown from hosting First Take to having my own show on SportsCenter, and experiencing so much more in between.
— Cari Champion (@CariChampion) January 9, 2020
ESPN will always be apart of...
- 1/10/2020
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Leave Joel Embiid Alone!!!! Caron Butler not only thinks the 76ers superstar was justified in crying after the 76ers heartbreaking loss to the Toronto Raptors, he thinks the NBA should change the media rules to allow players to deal with their emotions in private. In case you missed it ... after Embiid missed his shot to swat Kawhi Leonard's game-winner, cameras captured Joel crying on the court ... and later in the hallway while being consoled by his girlfriend.
- 5/13/2019
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Join our newsletter to get more stories like this This week, a WWE superstar will get a special opportunity to host one of the biggest shows on ESPN — First Take. The talk show featuring Stephen A. Smith and Max Kellerman is normally hosted by Molly Qerim, but there will be someone new at the desk on New Year’s Eve and January 2. Which WWE superstar will host ESPN First Take? Charly Caruso, the backstage interviewer from Monday Night Raw, will get to host ESPN First Take during both of those shows, giving her a great gift to send out […]
The post WWE superstar to host ESPN First Take, talks about choosing ESPN over WWE appeared first on Monsters and Critics.
The post WWE superstar to host ESPN First Take, talks about choosing ESPN over WWE appeared first on Monsters and Critics.
- 12/31/2018
- by Shawn S. Lealos
- Monsters and Critics
I’d like to alert you to a medical condition I have made up called Obvious Sportscaster Syndrome (Oss), also known as Commentator Mouth. Movies that display symptoms of Commentator Mouth include broadcasters in sports movies delivering painfully obvious and exposition-laden dialogue during boxing matches, football games or the like. Oss most commonly affects genuinely talented, real-life sports journalists making cameos in otherwise good films. And the worst cases of Oss range from mildly irritating to completely taking you out of the moment. Not once has the presence of commentators actually added to a movie, and sadly, there is no cure. The latest to come down with the disease is “Creed II,” contracting it from the first “Creed” film and as far back as the “Rocky” sequels. If you or a movie you love suffers from Commentator Mouth, you may see it represented in the list below:
“Creed” and “Creed II...
“Creed” and “Creed II...
- 11/27/2018
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
After 45 years, HBO said on Thursday that the network will no longer feature live boxing matches starting in 2019.
“Going forward in 2019, we will be pivoting away from programming live boxing on HBO,” the network said in a programming statement. “As always, we will remain open to looking at events that fit our programming mix. This could include boxing, just not for the foreseeable future.”
The pay-cable network currently has no more fights scheduled past the Oct. 27 Madison Square Garden middleweight title fight between Danny Jacobs and Sergey Derevianchenko. An HBO rep says its unclear if the network will have any matches in November or December.
Also Read: ESPN Lands Knockout 7-Year Rights Deal With Top Rank Boxing
HBO Boxing production staff, which included play-by-play announcer Jim Lampley, analyst Max Kellerman, ringside scorer Harold Lederman and former boxing champions Andre Ward and Roy Jones Jr., who worked as freelance commentators, were...
“Going forward in 2019, we will be pivoting away from programming live boxing on HBO,” the network said in a programming statement. “As always, we will remain open to looking at events that fit our programming mix. This could include boxing, just not for the foreseeable future.”
The pay-cable network currently has no more fights scheduled past the Oct. 27 Madison Square Garden middleweight title fight between Danny Jacobs and Sergey Derevianchenko. An HBO rep says its unclear if the network will have any matches in November or December.
Also Read: ESPN Lands Knockout 7-Year Rights Deal With Top Rank Boxing
HBO Boxing production staff, which included play-by-play announcer Jim Lampley, analyst Max Kellerman, ringside scorer Harold Lederman and former boxing champions Andre Ward and Roy Jones Jr., who worked as freelance commentators, were...
- 9/27/2018
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Facebook will offer exclusive live coverage from eight PGA tournaments leading up to into the FedExCup Playoffs, teeing off this weekend with the Travelers Championship.
The Facebook Watch will carry 60-plus hours of live streamed coverage this summer from the Quicken Loans National; A Military Tribute at The Greenbrier; John Deere Classic; Rbc Canadian Open; World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational; Wyndham Championship; and The Northern Trust.
“No matter if it’s a weekend foursome or water-cooler conversation about a top moment on Tour, golf brings people together,” Devi Mahadevia, Facebook’s North America live sports programming lead, said in a statement. “So we’re delighted to partner with the PGA Tour to help it reach new fans and deliver interactive, live coverage on Facebook that taps into the social nature of the sport.”
Facebook has been aggressively courting sports programming for Watch, precisely because sports– and teams — are good at building community and fostering conversation.
The Facebook Watch will carry 60-plus hours of live streamed coverage this summer from the Quicken Loans National; A Military Tribute at The Greenbrier; John Deere Classic; Rbc Canadian Open; World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational; Wyndham Championship; and The Northern Trust.
“No matter if it’s a weekend foursome or water-cooler conversation about a top moment on Tour, golf brings people together,” Devi Mahadevia, Facebook’s North America live sports programming lead, said in a statement. “So we’re delighted to partner with the PGA Tour to help it reach new fans and deliver interactive, live coverage on Facebook that taps into the social nature of the sport.”
Facebook has been aggressively courting sports programming for Watch, precisely because sports– and teams — are good at building community and fostering conversation.
- 6/20/2018
- by Dawn C. Chmielewski
- Deadline Film + TV
It never feels good to go into a game with low expectations. When you offer to review a game, you generally want it to be good, if for no reason other than the fact that you don’t want to spend hours banging your head against the wall playing a terrible game. In recent memory, however, the NBA Live franchise has given basketball fans everywhere a lot more aggrevating moments than anything else. After years of vibrant competition with the 2K series, around the turn of the decade, NBA Live took a considerable nosedive in terms of the quality that the franchise had to offer. While it’s always been a hope of mine that the series would rebound in a substantial way, I never expected the series to live up to its full potential. That was until this year’s game.
NBA Live 18 is far from a perfect basketball simulation.
NBA Live 18 is far from a perfect basketball simulation.
- 10/4/2017
- by Charles Blades
- We Got This Covered
Dirty Dancing fans, mark your calendars!
Come May 24, the three-hour filmed musical event will premiere on ABC — and People has an exclusive sneak peek at the first promo!
The TV remake tells the story from the original 1987 romantic drama, but from a fresh perspective. Abigail Breslin stars as Baby Houseman, who falls in love with bad boy dancer Johnny Castle (newcomer Colt Prattes). The film also costars Debra Messing (Marjorie Houseman), Bruce Greenwood (Dr. Jake Houseman), Nicole Scherzinger (Penny Rivera), Sarah Hyland (Lisa Houseman), Tony Roberts (Max Kellerman), Katey Sagal (Vivian Pressman), Billy Dee Williams (Tito) and J. Quinton Johnson...
Come May 24, the three-hour filmed musical event will premiere on ABC — and People has an exclusive sneak peek at the first promo!
The TV remake tells the story from the original 1987 romantic drama, but from a fresh perspective. Abigail Breslin stars as Baby Houseman, who falls in love with bad boy dancer Johnny Castle (newcomer Colt Prattes). The film also costars Debra Messing (Marjorie Houseman), Bruce Greenwood (Dr. Jake Houseman), Nicole Scherzinger (Penny Rivera), Sarah Hyland (Lisa Houseman), Tony Roberts (Max Kellerman), Katey Sagal (Vivian Pressman), Billy Dee Williams (Tito) and J. Quinton Johnson...
- 4/24/2017
- by Natalie Stone
- PEOPLE.com
If Molly Qerim can control “First Take” analysts Stephen A. Smith and Max Kellerman, and survive former side-kick Skip Bayless — then there’s nothing she can’t handle. The Espn host took the reins from Cari Champion 18 months ago, and since then she’s proven that she’s not to be taken lightly. Whether it’s keeping her outspoken colleagues in check or forwarding the sports conversation to prove that she can keep up with the big boys, Qerim has more than earned her stripes on the high-energy debate show. Also Read: Espn Names Samantha Ponder, Suzy Kolber and Trey Wingo...
- 3/31/2017
- by Debbie Emery
- The Wrap
As the host of Espn’s top debate show “First Take,” Molly Qerim is automatically thrust into the middle of every sports news topic — including whether the New England Patriots should visit President Trump in the White House to celebrate their win. Sitting between analysts Stephen A. Smith and Max Kellerman in the Bristol, Connecticut, studio, she says her job is to “move the conversation forward, to play devil’s advocate, to bring up points of order so we can touch on a lot of different topics.” Also Read: New England Patriots' Donald Trump White House Visit Is Set “When...
- 3/30/2017
- by Debbie Emery
- The Wrap
Max Kellerman has been a popular on-air sportstalk personality, boxing analyst and occasional political pundit for nearly 20 years now. Hell, the guy even dabbled in rap music for a while, sharing a legitimate record deal with his late brother Sam. You probably recognize his face — even without the chinstrap — maybe from a “Rocky” movie, perhaps from “I, Max,” “Around the Horn” or “SportsNation,” but those outside the sports-fan arena might not recognize Kellerman by name. That selective notoriety is becoming less and less common, however, now that he’s co-hosting Espn’s high-profile morning debate program “First Take” with...
- 1/4/2017
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
If you turned on ESPN2 this morning to watch “First Take,” you were probably disappointed — or at least confused. The sports-debate show re-launched on regular ol’ Espn Tuesday, a move many consider overdue. Max Kellerman told TheWrap that he thinks the timing was spot on — but of course he does, given that he joined the franchise a few months ago. Since then, he’s made made many forget or even wish good riddance to former “First Take” host Skip Bayless, who jumped ship for a similar gig over at prime competitor Fox Sports 1. Since his summer start, Kellerman says he.
- 1/3/2017
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
A special new edition of The Fight Game with Jim Lampley TV show premieres on HBO Wednesday, December 28, 2016 at 11:00pm Et/Pt. Max Kellerman will join Lampley, to discuss the latest boxing news.Learn more about The Fight Game with Jim Lampley from HBO, after the jump. Read More…...
- 12/23/2016
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
It’s been five months since First Take co-host Skip Bayless left Espn, and now the Worldwide Leader is hoping to boost the show’s sagging vierwership by moving it from ESPN2 to the Mothership. The yell-fest hosted by Stephen A. Smith and Bayless’ replacement Max Kellerman and Molly Qerim will replace the stalwart morning SportsCenter block beginning January 3. The two hours of SportsCenter that airs from 10 Am-noon Et, will move to ESPN2, also on January 3. SportsCenter Fa…...
- 11/11/2016
- Deadline TV
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