Chris ‘Mad Dog’ Russo Takes Shot At Draymond Green While Announcing He’ll Host ‘First Take’ Until October

ESPN

With the NBA/ Stanley Cup Finals wrapped up, the NFL still in its offseason, and MLB heading into the dog days of summer, Stephen A. Smith is finally on vacation, meaning his seat on First Take will need to be filled by someone.

On Wednesday, July 3, Chris “Mad Dog” Russo — who first started appearing on First Take back in 2022 and has been making regular Wednesday appearances since — took over the show and revealed that he’s going to be the host for the next three months, while also taking a shot at Draymond Green in the process.

“We are not gonna see you know who until the NBA tips off in October. So Draymond Green, get used to it. On this show for the next three months, it’s yours truly. I will be the executive producer. I will bring in the cast… as Stevie A. says, First House — what’s the show called!? — First Take in the house.”

While Mad Dog says Stephen A. won’t be back on First Take until the 2024/25 NBA season kicks off in late October, it’s difficult to imagine SAS not being at the desk for the start of the NFL season.

However, due to the fact that Smith’s contract expires next year and negotiations between him and the network are ongoing, perhaps the potential of not being out until the fall is being used as a tactic.

On one hand, Smith could say, “Fine, you don’t want to pay me what I want? See you in October.” On the other, however, ESPN could be trying to signal that they aren’t 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 turned down a five-year, $90 million deal ($18 million per year) deal from ESPN because he is seeking a contract that pays him $25 million per year.