Sportscaster Chris ‘Mad Dog’ Russo has gotten into a little trouble for referring to nuclear bombs when discussing Japanese sensation Shohei Ohtani’s next destination
ESPN personality Christopher “Mad Dog” Russo is taking some flak over a comment he made when talking about Shohei Ohtani’s free agency. The longtime sportscaster commented regarding the Japanese star that was viewed as offensive by many fans.
Ohtani, 29, will almost certainly sign the largest contract in the history of MLB free agency, expected to possibly be worth as much as half a billion dollars.
The two-time (and reigning) AL MVP is also perhaps the most intriguing player to ever be on the market, as well. His ability to pitch and hit at an All-Star level has made him a two-way player like the legendary Babe Ruth. And just like the Bambino? Expect Shohei Ohtani to be the highest-paid player in the game for a long, long time.
He reportedly has preferred to keep much of his negotiating process private. The procedure has ruffled feathers amongst some in the media, and outspoken radio host Chris Mad Dog’ Russo was the latest to speak about the topic.
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Russo, who has been a sports talk shock jock for decades, dropped a comment regarding the secrecy of Ohtani’s contract talks by using the phrase ‘Atomic Bomb’. Of course, considering the player’s ethnic background – and the events of World War II – it didn’t play all that well.
“The fact we’re even discussing this is a complete joke,” Russo said on “First Take.” “You know when he won the MVP, he wouldn’t even tell you what his dog’s name was? Anybody who pays Ohtani $600 million needs their heads examined anyway. He’s not gonna pitch next year. He’s a DH. And tell me this: with Ohtani, how many times were the Angels in the pennant race in the middle of September? They won 73 games last year; he missed the last 25 games.”
“And what is the big secret? Jeez, he’s a free agent! He’s talked to six teams. … What is this, the atomic bomb? We’re not allowed to find out? This is baseball! He’s a celebrity! This is what it’s about! This is stupid that somehow, some way if you reveal that you had a breakfast with Ohtani, you should be basically thrown out with the bath water.”
While it was a reference to the secrecy surrounding the unveiling of the original ‘Bomb’, many thought it was no coincidence. It also came on the week of Pearl Harbor Day – which set off the US-Japanese conflict. So, needless to say, plenty of criticism followed.
“Let’s put aside the obsession from the media that they have a right to demand Ohtani makes his life a circus, and owes the media something (he doesn’t), ” one fan wrote on X. “How culturally insensitive can a person be, referencing the atomic bomb, discussing a Japanese player?
“I am once again asking why Chris Russo is allowed on national television,” another posted.
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