ESPN’s First Take rejoiced in the triumphant return of Stephen A. Smith on Monday. On Tuesday, Paul Finebaum was adamant that he had seen enough of Smith’s frequent co-host, Chris “Mad Dog” Russo, during Smith’s absence.
Appearing on First Take, Finebaum began his segment by saying that he was ready for Smith to return.
“I don’t want to insult people that have been here in his absence, like Chris ‘Mad Dog’ Russo,” Finebaum started, “but if I saw Chris ‘Mad Dog’ Russo one more time on my screen, I was going to go crazy!”
Finebaum would also add, “I don’t like that guy on my screen! I want Stephen A. Smith on this show every day.”
Smith responded with respect to Russo but also pointed out one very important truth: “I love ‘Mad Dog’ Russo so I’m not gonna be as harsh about him as you,” Smith noted. “But I will say this about Christopher ‘Mad Dog’ Russo, I love ya bro, but he’s not Stephen A.”
