‘Mad Dog’ Russo Compares Japanese Baseball Star Shohei Ohtani’s Free Agency Secrecy to the Creation of the Atomic Bomb

A First Take discussion Shohei Ohtani got awkward on Wednesday when Chris “Mad Dog” Russo compared the Japanese baseball star’s free agency secrecy to the creation of the atomic bomb.

Ohtani, considered by some to already be the greatest baseball player of all time, has been in talks with several teams as he works to find his next MLB home. During this free agency tour, Ohtani’s representation has made it clear to teams that the star prefers to lay low and essentially meet with teams in secret.

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts apparently didn’t get that memo and publicly confirmed a meeting took place. Now, the team worries if it hurt their chances of acquiring the once-in-a-lifetime player.

Dave Roberts said he and the Dodgers met with Shohei Ohtani at Dodger Stadium a couple days ago. “I think it went well,” he said.

— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) December 5, 2023

Dodgers GM Gomes says they aren’t going to comment on Ohtani, acknowledged “Dave made a comment.” Asked by @Joelsherman1 if this has hurt their pursuit:

“I have no idea.” pic.twitter.com/dIw1nZDbvi

— Chelsea Janes (@chelsea_janes) December 5, 2023

Russo called Ohtani’s request for secrecy — and the story surrounding it — a “complete joke.”

“You know when he won the MVP, he wouldn’t even tell you what his dog’s name was?” Russo said. “Anybody who pays Ohtani $600 million needs their heads examined anyway. He’s not gonna pitch next year. He’s a (designated hitter). And tell me this: with Ohtani, how many times were the Angels in the pennant race in the middle of September?

“And what is the big secret? Jeez, he’s a free agent! He’s talked to six teams… What is this, the atomic bomb? We’re not allowed to find out? This is baseball! He’s a celebrity! This is what it’s about! This is stupid that somehow, some way if you reveal that you had a breakfast with Ohtani, you should be basically thrown out with the bath water!”

While Russo likely just made the comparison to illustrate the absurdity of all the secrecy, it was in poor taste due to the fact that he drew parallels between a Japanese player and the creation of a weapon that killed hundreds of thousands of Japanese civilians.

That wasn’t the end of Russo’s World War II comparisons either.

“And the idea that we have to treat this as the peace talks in Tehran in World War II is ridiculous!” he continued. “It drives me absolutely crazy!”

Watch above via ESPN