In the sports media industry, your credibility is only as strong as your word.
The veteran sports radio personality, Chris “Mad Dog” Russo, found himself in a predicament this week.
Russo made a bold declaration, vowing to retire “on the spot” should the underdog Arizona Diamondbacks secure victories in the final two games of the National League Championship Series in Philadelphia.
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To everyone’s surprise, the Diamondbacks, who had an 84-78 record during the regular season with a negative run differential, accomplished just that on Monday and Tuesday. They defeated the Phillies 5-1 in Game 6 and 4-2 in Game 7, earning their first World Series appearance in 22 years.
In response, the Diamondbacks playfully teased Russo on their official Twitter page.
Moreover, during the postgame locker room celebration, the players chanted “Mad Dog, Mad Dog” while joyously spraying champagne on one another.
Instead of retiring, Russo has reportedly negotiated an alternative consequence with the iconic radio host Howard Stern, as per Sports Illustrated’s Jimmy Traina. It appears that the 64-year-old will have to wander around New York City donning a Diamondbacks bikini with a sign that reads “liar and dope.”
We can’t help but anticipate the forthcoming video footage of Russo fulfilling this unusual obligation.
Nevertheless, kudos to the Diamondbacks for turning this entire absurd situation into reality by prevailing in a hostile environment. Their remarkable journey continues with Game 1 of the World Series against the Texas Rangers on Friday night.
Russo will likely think twice before making such bold guarantees in the future.
