When Chris “Mad Dog” Russo attempted to celebrate Dallas Cowboys player CeeDee Lamb‘s first paycheck, Stephen A. Smith had none of it.
Mad Dog asserted that he was the only member of the First Take panel to demand that Lamb, who inked a new contract with Dallas worth $136 million for four years, receive the extension he desired prior to the start of the 2024 season.
During a segment on Wednesday’s First Take regarding whether the Cowboys should award quarterback Dak Prescott a new contract, Russo, 64, made the assertion. But the sportscaster had to come full circle back to Lamb before he could discuss Prescott. Russo said,
“We spent hours and hours and hours [talking] about CeeDee Lamb,” “And what did your little favorite host always say?” “‘I guarantee it, by Week 1, he’ll be playing in Cleveland – for the Cowboys.'”
Nov 24, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (88) celebrates making a first down against the New York Giants during the first quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
The 56-year-old Smith instantly retaliated, questioning Russo whether he truly believed he was the only one who had anticipated Lamb’s contract.
And with a sardonic smile, Stephen A. responded to Mad Dog’s insistence, saying, “Such lies.”
Then host Molly Qerim stood up, walked over to Russo, and patted him on the back. She questioned, “Is that what you wanted?”
Finally, Mad Dog stated that he would only pay Prescott if he performs well in the 2024 season and that he would not be signing a new contract this offseason. While negotiations for a contract extension with the Cowboys continued, Lamb skipped training camp and the preseason.
