The sports channel ESPN suspended host Max Kellerman Monday after a broadcast on ESPNLA Radio show "Mason & Ireland" in which he said he hit his girlfriend several years ago. Kellerman and the woman, Erin, have now been married for 20 years.

"Max Kellerman will return to ESPNLA Radio and SportsNation on Thursday," ESPN said in a statement according to the Hollywood Reporter.

According to the radio show, Max explained that the incident happened while he and Erin attended a college party. He said they were drunk, and when Erin slapped him, Max slapped her in return.

Kellerman's suspension marks the third ESPN host to be removed in the past two weeks.

Stephen A. Smith, who appears on "First Take" and sports radio was suspended for a week on July 29 for comments he made also surrounding domestic violence. The topic was brought up when Smith was discussing Ray Rice's suspension from the NFL for allegedly assaulting his girlfriend.

"But what I've tried to employ the female members of my family, some of who you all met and talked to and what have you, is that again, and this what, I've done this all my life, let's make sure we don't do anything to provoke wrong actions," Smith said on-air.

Smith later apologized and said his comments were "the most egregious error of my career."

The second suspension was that of host Dan Le Batard from the show "Highly Questionable" for two days for putting up a billboard in Miami mocking NBA superstar LeBron James.

In an ESPN statement, the sports channel said Batard's behavior "does not reflect ESPN's standards and brand. Additionally, we were not made aware of his plans in advance."

The billboard in question featured a photo of the two championship rings James won recently while playing for the Miami Heat with the caption, "You're welcome, LeBron. Love, Miami." This sign was posted shortly after James announced he would return to Cincinnati to play for the Caviliers.

Thus far none of the ESPN hosts have been permanently removed from their hosting positions.

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