Max Kellerman was suspended by ESPN for his on-air discussion about domestic violence that took place on ESPN Radio LA earlier this week. ESPN would not confirm nor deny the suspension, but the New York Daily News says the network issued a statement saying Kellerman will return to his regular jobs on Thursday.
Kellerman co-hosts ESPN’s “SportsNation” on TV and “Max & Marcellus” on ESPNLA Radio and shared a story Monday about a domestic violence incident he had with his then-girlfriend, who is now his wife. He shared the story during a cross-talk segment with “Mason & Ireland” prior to his show starting.
The Daily News described Kellerman’s comments and explains why ESPN was not happy with him:
Kellerman said they both had to much too drink. He said when he tried getting things under control his then girlfriend slapped him. Kellerman said he slapped her back. He was quick to tell listeners that the woman is now is his wife and they have been happily married for 20 years.
Industry sources said while the content of his story was disturbing, the suspension was all about Kellerman, who once worked for ESPN New York Radio, not adhering to ESPN brass’ warning concerning the Rice topic being a highly sensitive one. “My understanding is that it was part of a larger conversation ESPN had with all its on-air people,” a radio industry source said. “Kellerman obviously didn’t pay attention.”
Kellerman’s comments came not long after ESPN suspended Stephen A. Smith for his comments on the Ray Rice domestic violence incident. Clearly the network is highly sensitive to the issue and does not want any employee giving off the appearance that they condone domestic violence in any way, shape or form.
