CHRIS “Mad Dog” Russo has become the latest ESPN star to join the network’s list of the greatest sports talents of the 21st century.
ESPN recently faced backlash from star Pat McAfee after revealing the first installments of its top 100 athletes since 2000.
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“ESPN editions from around the world contributed to the nominations and voting process, as well as the rankings for the individual sports lists that will follow,” the network said. explained.
More than 70,000 contributor votes were included in the list, which started with NFL Hall of Famer Charles Woodson at number 100.
As of Wednesday afternoon, 100-26 had been revealed, with the remaining stars to be revealed on Thursday.
But to say it proved a divisive ranking would be an understatement.
McAfee criticized the network in a rant about the “terrible list” on Tuesday, calling it “the epitome of everything everyone hates about ESPN.”
The next day, Russo used his weekly segment “Why Are You Mad?” on First Take to give your own opinion.
He was perplexed by the network’s decision to rank Denver Nuggets center and back-to-back NBA MVP Nikola Jokic 28th overall.
Russo felt this was too high for a player who has only played in the NBA for four seasons.
By comparison, he mentioned Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher/hitter and two-time AL MVP Shohei Ohtani, who ranked comparatively 63rd.
“He’s 28 and Ohtani is in his 60s? When Ohtani pitches and hits,” Russo shouted.
“Listen, I like Jokic too, I’m a big Jokic fan, he’s fun to watch, he’s goofy, he’s a great passer, he does all the things you like and he’s a great lover. I love him. But come on about!”
Russo also questioned the placement of New York Jets quarterback and four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers at age 91.
What’s more, Russo was furious with Dodgers pitcher and former NL MVP Clayton Kershaw, who was ranked 31st.
But perhaps Russo’s boldest claims came regarding former MLB stars Barry Bonds and Alex Rodriguez, who ranked 38th and 43rd, respectively.
First look at the numbers
First Take has grown from strength to strength under the guidance of Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim over the past year.
ESPN’s weekday debate show averaged 496,000 viewers in 2023 — making it the most-watched year in the show’s history.
Its December average of 611,000 represented a 24% annual increase compared to 2022.
The show has also recorded more than 250 million views on YouTube.
First Take was helped by the addition of Shannon Sharpe alongside Smith and Qerim after he left Fox Sports’ Undisputed.
Their trepidation about their inclusions resulted from both Titles It is Rodríguez having previously admitted to using steroids during their careers.
“When you use the juice, you can’t put them that high,” Russo said.
“You can’t even put them on the list, that’s part of the penalty. They’re not even in the Hall of Fame because of it.”
Fellow guest Kimberley A. Martin was shocked by Russo’s outburst, claiming he was “killing ESPN.com.”
She even joked that if I don’t “see you tomorrow” it could be thanks to his comments.
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