Chris “Mad Dog” Russo says he will host “First Take” until October

ESPN

With the NBA/Stanley Cup Final packed, the NFL still in the off-season, and MLB on the way to the dog days of summer, Stephen A. Smith is finally on vacation, which means that his seat on First take must be filled out by someone.

On Wednesday, July 3, Chris “Mad Dog” Russo — which first appeared at First take in 2022 and has been appearing regularly on Wednesday since then – took over the show and announced that he will be the host for the next three months, while also attempting Draymond Green in process.

“We won’t see you-know-who until the NBA kicks off in October. So, Draymond Green, get used to it. You’re the only one on this show for the next three months. I’ll be the executive producer. I’ll bring the cast… as Stevie A. says, First House – what’s the name of the show!? – First take in the house.”

While Mad Dog says Thomas B. will not be back at First Take until the 2024/25 season NBA season At the end of October, it is hard to imagine that SAS is not sitting at his desk when the NFL season.

However, with Smith’s contract expiring next year and negotiations between him and the broadcaster still ongoing, the option of not leaving until the fall may be used as a tactic.

On one hand, Smith could say, “Okay, you don’t want to pay me what I want? See you in October.” On the other hand, however, ESPN could also signal that they are not afraid of life after SAS by trying to prove that someone like Mad Dog could do the same job.

According to recent reports, the 56-year-old Queens native has turned down a five-year, $90 million ($18 million per year) contract from ESPN because he is seeking a contract that will pay him $25 million per year.