Chris Russo might not have gotten himself in trouble when discussing ESPN’s decision to fire Jeff Van Gundy.
On his Mad Dog’s Daily Bite podcast for SiriusXM, the frequent First Take panelist speculated that NBA commissioner Adam Silver pushed ESPN to lay off the longtime NBA broadcaster.
“I can’t fathom the idea that ESPN would fire Jeff Van Gundy … You are going to have trouble convincing me that was not done by Adam Silver,” Russo declared.
More to this than meets the eye when it comes to Jeff Van Gundy! Download the latest "Mad Dog's Daily Bite" anywhere you get your podcasts! @SIRIUSXM
Listen Now and Subscribe ⬇️https://t.co/JatZKkCCkC pic.twitter.com/j4ghHwLldr
— Chris Mad Dog Russo (@MadDogUnleashed) July 3, 2023
It’s certainly a bold theory to make without any evidence, especially since Russo also contributes to ESPN. Onlookers questioned Mad Dog’s rant, wondering if he’ll face repercussions for the baseless accusations.
“Incredibly irresponsible of ESPN to allow an employee to say this about a league president,” Chris Stevens of HBCU Sports said.
Incredibly irresponsible of ESPN to allow an employee to say this about a league president. https://t.co/sphLW2lWim
— With EVERYBODY sayin' – "C. J. Writes" – YEAH! (@CJWritesNThangs) July 5, 2023
“Why would you do that?” Peter Ruttgaizer asked.
Why would you do that? https://t.co/QYtHqQAbXz
— Peter Ruttgaizer (@PeteRuttgaizer) July 6, 2023
“Regardless of whether or not it’s true, I’m sure Silver *and* [ESPN President Jimmy] Pitaro love him saying this on ESPN airwaves,” Morgan Wick said. (Russo didn’t make these claims on ESPN programming.)
Regardless of whether or not it's true, I'm sure Silver *and* Pitaro love him saying this on ESPN airwaves. https://t.co/rwm54L7NHQ
— Morgan Wick (@morganwick) July 6, 2023
“I hope Silver makes ‘another’ call about Russo,” a fan wrote.
I hope Silver makes “another” call about Russo… https://t.co/KtAdaDeQOp
— The Notorious R.O.D (@RodFreeman05) July 5, 2023
Russo believes Silver or another NBA official told ESPN to replace Van Gundy with a “pom-pom” commentator who won’t criticize the league.
“That leads me to the conclusion that someone in the league office must’ve told ESPN, ‘I want Van Gundy out,'” Russo claimed. “We all know he’s biting. We all know he gets on the officials. We all know he doesn’t hold back with his NBA opinions. He tells you what he thinks, which is what a great broadcaster is supposed to do anyways.”
Russo reasoned that ESPN also would have fired Marc Jackson if saving money was the only objective. He’s upset the company broke up a “special” team of Van Gundy, Jackson, and play-by-play announcer Mike Breen.
Van Gundy might have been the most surprising name among ESPN’s mass layoffs, but it seems reckless for Russo to promote a conspiracy theory about Silver while also working for ESPN.
Stay connected with us on social media platform for instant update click here to join our Twitter, & Facebook
We are now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@TechiUpdate) and stay updated with the latest Technology headlines.
For all the latest Basketball News Click Here
