Chris "Mad Dog" Russo is widely known for his legendary 19-year run as the co-host of a sports talk radio show called "Mike and the Mad Dog." Fans of the critically acclaimed morning program also hold Russo largely responsible for breaking up the show in lieu of a solo career with Sirius Radio. So, it's quite fitting that the 62-year-old is now being partnered with Stephen A. Smith on ESPN's signature morning debate show, First Take. That's because Smith is also responsible for breaking up an on-air paring of his own, with Max Kellerman. Nevertheless, upon joining Stephen A. Smith on First Take, their chemistry has been so riveting that many spectators have compared their seamless teamwork to the days when Smith worked across the table from his old pal, Skip Bayless.
Acquiring Russo's services for a once-a-week appearance on Wednesday mornings has come at a pretty hefty price for the executives at ESPN. In a recent telephone interview with the Howard Stern Show, Russo shared his excitement with Howard about being a part of the network's popular morning show, while also revealing that his current contract with ESPN states that he is to be paid $10,000 per episode. Russo also shared that he is scheduled to appear on First Take at least 40 times throughout the duration of the agreement before addressing Howard Stern's questions about how much an induction into the Radio Hall of Fame would mean to him on a personal level.
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Source: NY Post
