Former NFL quarterback Cam Newton responded to analyst Max Kellerman for criticizing his former “First Take” co-host Stephen A. Smith four years after leaving ESPN. Kellerman, who was unceremoniously removed from ESPN in 2021, appeared on “The Bill Simmons” podcast last week and claimed that Smith is just a “reactor” and “doesn’t have hot takes.”
On Thursday, Newton appeared to defend Blacksmith from criticism while taking shots at Kellerman during his “4th&1” show.
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“If you haven’t been paying attention, they’re giving it to people who are more entertaining just because you covered sports for 15 years, that doesn’t mean you’re the right person for ESPN,” Newton said in response to Kellerman’s criticism of Smith. “You have to have an audience. You have to have a community of people who can contribute to the ESPN platform, that’s where you create value. The only thing that matters to these platforms is the ratings… nobody cares if you don’t have a community or an audience.
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“Say what you want to say about Stephen A., he’s on all of ESPN’s platforms. He’s the cash cow because ESPN knows he’s got it figured out, if I just hit people with stats and analysis all day, I’m going to put them to sleep… if you don’t evolve with that, you’ll dissolve with it.”
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Smith has been with ESPN since 2003. He has been on the network’s “First Take” show since April 2012.
Following Kellerman’s departure from ESPN, Smith revealed that he attempted to get rid of his former co-host in the summer of 2019, 2020 and 2021 by speaking to network executives. Smith, who wanted to be the center of the show, finally got what he wanted the third time he asked.
In August, Cam Newton agreed to a multi-year contract to work as an analyst at ESPN.
Cam Newton talks Philip Rivers coming out of retirement to sign with Indianapolis Colts
On Thursday, Cam Newton spoke about Philip Rivers’ sensational return to the NFL after five years at age 44. The QB signed with the Indianapolis Colts‘team practice on Wednesday. However, Newton had a unique view of the situation.
“It’s almost like a slap in the face,” Newton said on his show “4th&1.”
Newton, who has not officially announced his retirement, last played in the NFL in 2021.
“I don’t give a damn if (Rivers) was in his family,” Newton said. “He’s 44, bro. Why do people hold Cam Newton to a standard that they don’t hold to everyone else?”
Earlier this year, Rivers was named a semifinalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026. However, his candidacy is expected to be delayed another five years if he is moved to Indy’s active roster this season.
Edited by Arnoldo.
