Chris Russo threatens to ‘Wally Pipp’ Stephen A. Smith off of ‘First Take’
Stephen A. Smith better hurry back from vacation.
On Wednesday’s episode of “First Take,” Chris Russo filled in for Smith as host of the popular ESPN show and jokingly threatened to make it a permanent move.
“There was a baseball player named Wally Pipp. Back in 1925 he had a headache and took himself out of the lineup. You know who they put in the lineup? Lou Gehrig, baby. He played for 2,000-some-odd games in a row,” Russo said to open the show as co-hosts Marcus Spears and Kimberley A. Martin laughed.
“This seat is finally occupied by a guy who can do a professional television talk show and his name aint Stephen A. It is Christopher Michael Russo and guess what, for the next 120 minutes First Take is in the house.”
Chris "Mad Dog" Russo is ready to Wally Pipp Stephen A. Smith on First Take."This is seat is finally occupied by a guy who can do a professional television talk show. And his name ain't Stephen A." pic.twitter.com/ygxEnguoBd
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) December 27, 2023Russo works alongside Smith on “First Take” every Wednesday and his wild rants about sports, gambling and even his mother’s veal parm have become popular staples of the program.
Smith, who has strong chemistry with Russo, quickly responded on X.
“How Dare you?” Smith said. “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, its a huge responsibility sitting in that chair! Can ya measure up? Enjoy this moment. It will be your last IN THAT CHAIR!”
Russo, 64, hosts a daily show on Sirius XM’s Mad Dog Radio and is the host of “High Heat” on MLB Network.
Chris Russo, Marcus Spears and Kimberly A. Martin on “First Take.” ESPNThere could be an opening to replace Smith eventually.
Smith hinted he would leave ESPN after his contract a five-year, $60 million deal signed in 2019 if he is not made the network’s highest-paid talent.
Im not just a talent. Im a business, Smith told Outkick earlier this month. Ive got my own production company. Ive got my own YouTube channel. Ive got my own show. Its not even just a podcast. Its a show with a fully loaded television studio. Thats what I built for myself, that could go linear or digital. The list goes on and on.
Stephen A. Smith jokingly responded to Chris Russo NBAE via Getty ImagesIm doing all of these things. Im not doing all of that to be in second place. Im not doing all of that to look up at somebody else to see that theyre making more than me when Im producing superior ratings and revenue. No, Im not doing that. And Imnot apologizing for anybody for it.
Mad Dog will be ready if that day ever comes.
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