The people spoke and First Take has answered.
Chris “Mad Dog” Russo is joining ESPN’s morning show as a regular Wednesday guest co-host. He’ll join Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim on next Wednesday’s show (Feb. 16) and will then become part of the regular guest rotation every Wednesday beginning March 2.
Two weeks ago, Russo appeared on First Take to debate Smith about the Baseball Hall of Fame election results. In particular, the two argued over whether or not Barry Bonds, MLB’s all-time single-season and career home run leader, should have been inducted in his final year on the ballot.
Viewers among both fans and media enjoyed Russo’s appearance and the SiriusXM host’s spirited debate with Smith. People responded positively to someone matching Stephen A.’s volume and passion with an equally heated response. Mad Dog yelled back! Even better, he called Stephen A. “Stevie,” adding a note of playfulness to the noise.
“In January, First Take aired its most-watched episode ever and fans are continuing to turn to the show for can’t-miss reactions to big time moments and breaking news,” said ESPN executive vice president and executive editor of production, Norby Williamson, in the network’s official announcement.
“We couldn’t be more excited to add another marquee name in Chris “Mad Dog” Russo to our weekly rotating lineup and further build this momentum going forward, providing viewers with the best possible debates, topics and content.”
Russo joins the rotating cast of co-hosts, analysts, and insiders that regularly appear on First Take, including Michael Irvin, Jay Williams, Ryan Clark, Damien Woody, Kimberley A. Martin, Chiney Ogwumike, Kendrick Perkins, Dan Orlovsky, and Mina Kimes.
Ian Casselberry is a sports media columnist for BSM. He has previously written and edited for Awful Announcing, The Comeback, Sports Illustrated, Yahoo Sports, MLive, Bleacher Report, and SB Nation. You can find him on Twitter @iancass or reach him by email at iancass@gmail.com.
