ESPN personality Chris Russo is known for his outspoken nature and colorful commentary, traits that have defined his career for decades. However, his latest remarks on ESPN’s First Take may have crossed a line, landing him in hot water with the network. Russo’s penchant for pushing boundaries sometimes leads to controversy, and this time, it appears he may have taken things a bit too far when making a comment involving one of his ESPN colleagues.
During a segment earlier this week, Russo made a joke about taking a gummy (containing THC, a psychoactive component of marijuana) while on a flight.
His comment seemed intended as lighthearted humor, but it quickly took a turn when he implied that he shared the gummy with ESPN MLB insider Jessica Mendoza. The remark left some viewers stunned and prompted an internal response from ESPN.
“I had a gummy this morning; I’m flying. Oh, I’m flying. I had a gummy. Right before he did the Yankee nonsense,” Russo said during the broadcast. “I said let me go gobble one. And I went back with Mendoza, and I took a gummy.” The implication that Mendoza, a respected analyst and broadcaster, was part of this incident sparked immediate backlash, with many considering it inappropriate and unprofessional to include her in such a joke without consent.
As it turns out, ESPN was not amused by Russo’s attempt at humor—particularly because it involved another one of their on-air talents without her knowledge or participation. This week, Russo appeared on Jimmy Traina’s SI Media podcast to clarify his comments and offer some context. During the podcast, Russo made it clear that Jessica Mendoza had not taken a gummy with him and acknowledged that he had faced consequences from ESPN for making the suggestion.
“It’s not accurate, and I got in trouble for that,” Russo admitted to Traina during the interview. “Because I put Jessica Mendoza in the mix, and I shouldn’t have done that. I indicated that she was in the mix, and that wasn’t the right thing to do. So I’ll take the hit for that.” He went on to mention that Mendoza flew out to Oregon soon after the incident, and while he had not heard from her directly, ESPN had expressed their disapproval. “What are you gonna do? You can’t please everybody,” he added.
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Russo also emphasized that he was not explicitly told to issue an apology or make a public correction regarding what he said about Mendoza, but the implication was clear: ESPN was unhappy, and Russo knew he had stepped over a line.
His comments had the potential to tarnish Mendoza’s reputation, suggesting her involvement in something that could be seen as unprofessional, and that was enough to warrant a rebuke from his employer.
Jessica Mendoza has remained silent on the matter, and it is still unclear whether she was directly bothered by Russo’s comments or if she addressed the situation with him personally. Regardless of her reaction, the incident has shone a light on the boundaries that should exist in professional environments—especially when discussing or joking about a colleague without their consent. Even in a space where humor and entertainment are part of the brand, some lines should not be crossed.
This episode serves as a reminder that, while Chris Russo has built his career on being brash and unfiltered, there are limits to what can be said on live television—particularly when it involves another person.
His willingness to admit his mistake and take responsibility is commendable, but the incident highlights the potential pitfalls of pushing humor into uncomfortable or inappropriate territory. As for ESPN, this situation underscores the importance of maintaining professionalism, even in the context of a lighthearted sports program.
In the world of sports media, it’s not unusual for personalities to toe the line in an effort to entertain and engage viewers. However, it’s essential to remember that the people involved are colleagues who deserve respect and consideration.
Chris Russo’s comments may have been intended as a joke, but the outcome was a stark reminder of the consequences of careless remarks in a public forum. Moving forward, it’s clear that even the most outspoken voices must be mindful of the boundaries that exist within their workplace.
