The “Stephen A vs. the world” approach to First Take is one step closer to reality with the news that Max Kellerman is headed to ESPN Radio. While it sounds like ESPN is still committed to no permanent co-host, Michael McCarthy of Front Office Sports reports that the network has discussed making Michael Irvin a part of the show.
It would obviously represent a return to Bristol for Irvin, who began his media career at ESPN and has been at the NFL Network since 2009. While no deal is finalized yet, McCarthy reports that the network would use the Hall of Fame wide receiver exclusively on First Take. ESPN is reportedly considering using Irving on the show on Mondays during the football season.
Could that leave the door open to Irvin working for both ESPN and the NFL Network? First Take is something that the NFL Network cannot offer him and by not appearing on Sunday NFL Countdown, Irvin would still be free to be a part of NFL Network’s game day programming. That being said, it should be noted that Irvin is in the final year of his current deal with the NFL Network.
Stephen A. Smith and Michael Irvin have a history of debating and entertaining an audience. Irvin routinely shows up when First Take travels to Dallas. The two have been in their share of shouting matches, including one in 2008 that Smith calls his most memorable moment on television. It has prompted Molly Qerim Rose to describe Irvin as Smith’s “biggest rival”. ESPN has even highlighted those arguments in the past.
Mike Fisher of Sports Illustrated asked Michael Irvin about the rumors on Tuesday night. It prompted a very funny exchange, which Fisher documented for the website.
“Fish,” he told me on Tuesday afternoon, “how many times in the last 32 years have I given you a ‘no comment”?
“Never,” I told him.
“Well,” Irving chortled, “you’re about to experience a first.”
Mike Fisher, “Michael Irvin + Stephen A. Smith: Can ESPN Make it Happen?”
McCarthy writes that ESPN is considering other in-house options to go head-to-head with Smith for the rest of the week. He cites sources saying that Marcus Spears, Keyshawn Johnson and Jay Williams have all been mentioned as potential parts of a rotation for First Take’s second chair.
