Max Kellerman was laid off by ESPN as part of the companys new strategy to downsize its workforce. He was among the roughly 20 personalities who were being informed that their time on ESPN is done, beginning Friday as the network is cutting payroll. Kellerman was removed from ESPNs First Take in September 2021. He was making in the $5 million-a-year neighborhood. Kellerman’s arc at ESPN headed in the wrong direction after Stephen A. Smith decided that he wanted to change the debate format of his morning show, “First Take.” Smith essentially jettisoned Kellerman in favor of a variety pack of verbal opponents.