Chris Russo Criticizes ESPN’s Priorities After ‘First Take’ Films in Hallway Amid $100M Stephen A. Smith Deal

Chris Russo didn't appreciate the way he and Molly Qerim had to stand in the hallway during a power cut and blamed it on Stephen A. Smith.

Chris Russo Criticizes ESPN’s Priorities After ‘First Take’ Films in Hallway Amid $100M Stephen A. Smith Deal

Stephen A. Smith and Chris Russo (Image via IMAGO)

Chris ‘Mad Dog’ Russo always has a lot to say during his hot takes on ESPN. However, his latest rant was one for the ages.

During an episode of First Take, Russo dissed longtime colleague Stephen A. Smith while standing in the hallway with host Molly Qerim, as there was no power in the studio.

Qerim asked Russo about the reason behind his anger.

If they didn’t pay Stephen A. $400 million, maybe they could pay their freakin’ bills, ESPN. I mean, goodness gracious, how dare you squeeze me and stick me in a hallway with lights from 2000… You took me away from my sight all because you have to pay him $150 million, guaranteed .

Chris Russo ranted

Stephen A. watched with his head in his hands.

According to the Athletic’s Andrew Marchand, Smith signed a $100 million deal with ESPN earlier this year.

I’m happy and honored to remain a member of the Disney/ESPN family for, at least, the next five years. There are only bigger and bigger things ahead. It starts with continuing to put in that work. See y’all soon.

Stephen A. Smith said after signing the deal.

Chris Russo revealed his view on Stephen A. Smith’s mammoth deal with ESPN

Stephen A.’s previous contract was near the end, and ESPN wanted to keep their prized possession. Smith is considered among the few untouchables in the ESPN lineup, along with Russo and Pat McAfee. While on one hand, the network fired several employees throughout the world, Smith was among the few who received a new deal.

Chris Russo Criticizes ESPN’s Priorities After ‘First Take’ Films in Hallway Amid $100M Stephen A. Smith Deal
Stephen A. Smith (Image via IMAGO)

Russo appeared on the Jimmy Traina podcast last year and gave his honest opinion on the extension.

“I try not to get too involved with it. I ask for an occasional recap. And when I see stories on Stevie—Hollywood Reporter just did a big one, and Wall Street Journal did one—I ask, ‘Is this accurate?’ Sometimes he tells me, and sometimes he doesn’t. Overall, I would be shocked if he left,” Chris Russo said via Sports Illustrated.

Russo revealed that he would be in shock if Smith had ended up on the fired list.

“I haven’t spoken to him in three weeks, maybe. I would be shocked, SHOCKED, if this doesn’t—now, they may take it to the last day—but I would be shocked if Smith [left ESPN],” Russo said.

Eventually, Smith penned a new deal that will keep him part of the worldwide leader in sports until 2030.

Russo thanked ‘Steve’ Smith for his renaissance after spending nearly 40 years with SiriusXM Radio and WFAN.

“I love the First Take gig. I’ve had a renaissance. It’s because of Stephen A…  I love the guy. We have a very good relationship [with him],” Chris Russo said via Front Office Sports.

Smith reportedly grew up listening to Russo’s takes on the radio and was relieved when ESPN decided to extend his contract. While the specifics of the extension are unclear, previously, he earned $10,000 for his Wednesday appearances. So he has definitely bagged a big upgrade on that one.

Russo further signed a three-year deal with SiriusXM in 2024 to remain the face of the radio juggernaut.

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