ESPN First Take is often controversial. There tends to be yelling between Stephen A. Smith and whoever his guest is on any particular day. But on Wednesday, the discussion that stole the majority of headlines was between Chris “Mad Dog” Russo and JJ Redick.
The segment began with a Draymond Green interview following the Warriors Game 2 loss against the Grizzlies. Green, who was elbowed in the face during the game, made some controversial comments after flipping off fans in Game 2.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKZXnouiIC0
“It felt really good to flip them off,” Green declared. “You gonna boo someone who got elbowed in the eye and there is blood running down your face? I could have a concussion or anything.”
He probably shouldn't have flipped off the fans, but fans also should not boo/ridicule an injured player… just ask Cleveland Guardians outfielder Myles Straw about that.
Nonetheless, the First Take segment then cut to the studio where Russo expressed his disgust with Draymond Green. Russo uttered four words that have been utilized in a very negative light over the past few years in the sports world.
“Shut up and play,” Russo stated. “America is tired of Draymond Green.”
He went on to discuss his issues with the Warriors star forward. Stephen A. Smith then responded by mostly defending Green.
And then JJ Redick got his turn to talk. And oh boy did he go off.
“Shut up and play has the same sort of connotations as the shut up and dribble crowd has towards athletes and I have a real problem with that,” Redick said. “Specifically with Draymond, the idea that America is tired of him, you do realize the guy has a very, very popular podcast that he hosts where he talks to himself for a majority of the episode and people listen.”
Redick continued defending Green. He grew more and more passionate in his remarks as he continued the discussion. It was clear that Russo's comments hit a nerve with Redick.
Russo's rebuttal revolved around discussing how polarizing Draymond Green is and referencing older fans who wouldn't be interested in his podcast. Redick replied with more passion and said he did not “appreciate the undertone” of Russo's statement.
In the end, Stephen A. Smith surprisingly played the role of peacemaker between the two. I would recommend watching the entire segment (video posted above) to fully comprehend the context of the ways things were said.
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