‘Mad Dog’ Russo Takes Over for Stephen A. Smith on First Take and Immediately Roasts Him by Bringing Up a Baseball Player from the 1920s

Ahmad Austin Jr.Dec 27th, 2023, 11:42 am
 

Chris “Mad Dog” Russo was given the honor of doing First Take’s opening on Wednesday, and he wasted no time making an obscure reference to an athlete from the early 1900s.

Throughout his career in sports media, Russo has established himself as the old guy who loves bringing up old players during sports debates. It’s often done to discredit current players in a “back in my day” tone.

While Russo usually appears on First Take every Wednesday, this week was different as he sat in the chair normally occupied by Stephen A. Smith. As Smith’s “replacement,” he began the show the only way he knew how.

“There was a baseball player named Wally Pipp,” Russo said. “Back in 1925, he had a headache. He took himself out of the lineup. You know who they put in the lineup? Lou Gehrig, baby! And he played for 2,000-something games in a row. Molly (Qerim) ain’t in the house. We have the lovely Victoria (Arlen) with her wonderful shirt. We have Marcus (Spears) here. We know we love him. Kimberley (Martin) joins us every Wednesday. We know we have her.

“And guess what? This seat is finally occupied by a guy who can do a professional television talk show. And his name ain’t Stephen A. It is Christopher Michael Russo. And guess what? For the next 128 — what is it? — 120 minutes, First Take is in the house.”

Despite being away, Smith was still watching. Not long after the opening, Smith claimed Russo would never live up to the “huge responsibility” of sitting in his chair.

“How Dare you @MadDogUnleashed,” Smith said on Twitter. “How Dare you? The unmitigated gall of you to sit in MY CHAIR, and be so disrespectful. You are in a world of trouble when I get back. Remember, it’s a huge responsibility sitting in that chair! Can ya measure up? Enjoy this moment. It will be your last IN THAT CHAIR!”

Watch above via ESPN

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