Chris Russo SLAMMED for shocking ‘atomic bomb’ reference about Japan star Shohei Ohtani’s approach to free agency in a two-minute, WWII-themed rant on First Take: ‘He’s gone too far’
- Shohei Ohtani took a cautious approach as he considered his next move
- But it irked Chris Russo, who ranted about the MLB star during First Take.
- DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news.
ESPN First Take co-host Chris Russo sparked outrage by mentioning the atomic bomb in a rant criticizing Japanese baseball star Shohei Ohtani.
Ohtani is currently in free agency after a sensational previous MLB season with the Los Angeles Angels, and some believe he deserves a $600 million contract due to his pitching and hitting abilities.
The 29-year-old has kept his cards close to his chest during negotiations, and while there are a number of teams who would be delighted to sign him, Ohtani’s own preferences are unclear. He is known to be a deeply private person.
And that’s much to the chagrin of “Mad Dog” Russo, who on Wednesday addressed one of the biggest talking points in baseball with a deeply insensitive analogy.
“The fact that we’re even discussing this is a complete joke,” Russo shouted, while co-host Stephen A. Smith remained silent. “This Ohtani prank – did you know that when he won MVP, he didn’t even tell you what his dog’s name was?” Because he had a dog there when he won American League MVP.
Chris “Mad Dog” Russo (right) went on a tirade over Shohei Ohtani’s approach to free agency.
Russo made a reference to comparing Japanese star Ohtani’s approach to the atomic bomb.
After an outstanding 2023, Ohtani signed a $600 million deal with his next team.
“Anyone paying Ohtani $600 million should have their head examined anyway. He’s not expected to pitch next year (after having surgery on his right elbow – his throwing arm – in September). He is a DH (designated hitter).
– And what’s the big secret? God, he’s a free agent. He talked to six teams – the Giants, facing the Blue Jays, the Cubs in the lineup, the Angels. What is this, an atomic bomb? We’re not allowed to find out?
“It’s baseball!” He’s a celebrity! That’s the problem. It’s stupid that if you say you had breakfast with Otani, you’ll be thrown out with the bath water.”
The two atomic bombs dropped by the United States on Japan during World War II killed more than 200,000 people.
He continued with another reference to World War II: “The idea that we should treat this like the peace talks in Tehran during World War II is absurd when Stalin, Roosevelt and Churchill got together. It drives me crazy”.
The video of Russo’s rant soon went viral on social media, and many fans were uncomfortable with his remarks.
“It’s absolutely crazy to mention the atomic bomb when it comes to a Japanese player,” said one fan on X.
Another wrote in response: “He went too far. this should not be accepted.”
Ohtani, 29, hit 44 home runs in 2023 but also has tremendous pitching skills.
Fans were quick to criticize Russo for his comments about Ohtani on Wednesday.
Another fan said: “Atomic bomb? What a strange reference when talking about the most successful Japanese athlete in the US right now.
“Just nonsense, no matter what.” This is definitely one of the worst videos produced on this show.”
Russo, 64, has not yet responded to criticism of his comments.