Chris Russo, also known as “Mad Dog,” recently shared that he was stood up by NBC and Mike Tirico for an interview. The radio host revealed that he had an interview scheduled with NBC’s Olympics host, but both the network and Tirico disappeared on him. Russo believes it may be due to a joke he made about NBC and the Olympics during a segment on ESPN’s “First Take.”
During the segment titled “What Are You Mad About,” Russo joked about the Olympics broadcasting its opening ceremony in Imax theaters for $20. He humorously mentioned taking Stephen A. Smith on a date to watch the parade in Paris, criticizing NBC’s approach. However, after the joke, the communication from the other side went silent.
Russo tried to follow up with his producer to inquire about Tirico but received no response. He then took matters into his own hands and texted Tirico directly, only to be left unanswered. Russo expressed his surprise at the possibility that his joke could have influenced NBC’s decision not to have Tirico participate in the interview.
In other news related to the Olympics, a recent boxing controversy involving a female boxer who forfeited mid-match against a competitor with XY chromosomes has sparked debate. Additionally, the opening ceremony received criticism for its controversial elements, including a mock “Last Supper,” a headless Marie Antoinette, and a ménage à trois.
Mike Tirico took over as the Olympics host in 2018 after Bob Costas retired from coverage. Despite the recent incident with Russo, Tirico continues to lead the coverage of the Games.
Overall, the situation highlights the potential sensitivity around humor and criticism in the world of sports broadcasting and media coverage. It serves as a reminder of the impact that even light-hearted jokes can have on professional relationships and interactions within the industry.
