1 hr. ago
Troy Aikman won three Super Bowls with the Dallas Cowboys, but Christopher "Mad Dog" Russo also believes he and Joe Buck deserve credit for bringing one to ESPN.
During his Mad Dog Unleashed radio show on SiriusXM earlier this week, Russo was discussing Tony Romo's future with CBS, guessing the network would love to use his recent arrest as cause to absolve themselves from the rest of the 10-year, $180 million contract he signed in 2020. And if they do get out from under Romo's contract, Russo believes the era of networks paying ***** ysts tens of millions of dollars might be over.
"Now listen, Aikman and Buck got a fortune," Russo admitted. "But they also brought a Super Bowl to ESPN, because I don't know if they would have gotten a Super Bowl unless they had those guys because that's how important they are, Aikman and Buck…so a little different for them. But to pay the top guys $17 million to do the games, we're gonna watch the games no matter what. Not one announcer – and that includes Madden – if you gave Madden a lousy game, you're not gonna watch it…nobody is watching these games to see the announcers."
The stars aligned for Romo to land a $180 million contract from CBS thanks in part to ESPN driving the price up as they vied for his services on Monday Night Football. But falling short in the Romo sweepstakes six years ago turned out to be a great thing for ESPN. Because while CBS was left with what eventually became a Romo problem, ESPN had the flexibility to eventually pluck Buck and Aikman from Fox two years later.
ESPN undoubtedly got the better option for Monday Night Football by landing Buck and Aikman instead of Romo, but the Super Bowl was coming their way regardless. ESPN and ABC got back into the Super Bowl rotation when they signed their 10-year rights agreement with the NFL in 2021. Buck and Aikman didn't move over from Fox until 2022.
#russo #million
During his Mad Dog Unleashed radio show on SiriusXM earlier this week, Russo was discussing Tony Romo's future with CBS, guessing the network would love to use his recent arrest as cause to absolve themselves from the rest of the 10-year, $180 million contract he signed in 2020. And if they do get out from under Romo's contract, Russo believes the era of networks paying ***** ysts tens of millions of dollars might be over.
"Now listen, Aikman and Buck got a fortune," Russo admitted. "But they also brought a Super Bowl to ESPN, because I don't know if they would have gotten a Super Bowl unless they had those guys because that's how important they are, Aikman and Buck…so a little different for them. But to pay the top guys $17 million to do the games, we're gonna watch the games no matter what. Not one announcer – and that includes Madden – if you gave Madden a lousy game, you're not gonna watch it…nobody is watching these games to see the announcers."
The stars aligned for Romo to land a $180 million contract from CBS thanks in part to ESPN driving the price up as they vied for his services on Monday Night Football. But falling short in the Romo sweepstakes six years ago turned out to be a great thing for ESPN. Because while CBS was left with what eventually became a Romo problem, ESPN had the flexibility to eventually pluck Buck and Aikman from Fox two years later.
ESPN undoubtedly got the better option for Monday Night Football by landing Buck and Aikman instead of Romo, but the Super Bowl was coming their way regardless. ESPN and ABC got back into the Super Bowl rotation when they signed their 10-year rights agreement with the NFL in 2021. Buck and Aikman didn't move over from Fox until 2022.
#russo #million
8 hours ago
The world of food television exploded with personalities in the 1990s, and these culinary icons didn't just cook — they captivated millions with their on-screen flair, flavor-packed recipes, and unforgettable catchphrases. InTouch brings you a closer look at the chefs who inspired at-home cooks, redefined cooking shows, and became household names. From the bustling streets of New York to the glamour of Hollywood, each of these stars made a mark that's still felt in today's kitchens.
ZUMA Press / MEGA
Renowned for blending French techniques with Californian ingredients, Wolfgang Puck helped revolutionize American fine dining. From elegant Oscar after-parties to his many popular restaurants, Puck remains a pioneer in both taste and innovation. His lively presence brought culinary artistry into the mainstream spotlight. Puck's flagship eatery, Spago, opened on Sunset Strip in January 1982 and introduced the then-unheard-of open-kitchen dining concept, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
Joe Russo / MEGA / MA
With his iconic shouts of "Bam!" and "Kick it up a notch," Emeril Lagasse energized home cooking for a generation of TV viewers. His star power on the Food Network and in the kitchen transformed him into a true celebrity, bridging the gap between old-school technique and modern showmanship. His infectious personality and approachable style set the gold standard for TV chefs. Lagasse first stepped in front of cameras in 1993 on Food Network's How to Boil Water, before his own program, Essence of Emeril, and later Emeril Live! turned him into television's breakout culinary star, according to Parade.
#puck #cooking
ZUMA Press / MEGA
Renowned for blending French techniques with Californian ingredients, Wolfgang Puck helped revolutionize American fine dining. From elegant Oscar after-parties to his many popular restaurants, Puck remains a pioneer in both taste and innovation. His lively presence brought culinary artistry into the mainstream spotlight. Puck's flagship eatery, Spago, opened on Sunset Strip in January 1982 and introduced the then-unheard-of open-kitchen dining concept, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
Joe Russo / MEGA / MA
With his iconic shouts of "Bam!" and "Kick it up a notch," Emeril Lagasse energized home cooking for a generation of TV viewers. His star power on the Food Network and in the kitchen transformed him into a true celebrity, bridging the gap between old-school technique and modern showmanship. His infectious personality and approachable style set the gold standard for TV chefs. Lagasse first stepped in front of cameras in 1993 on Food Network's How to Boil Water, before his own program, Essence of Emeril, and later Emeril Live! turned him into television's breakout culinary star, according to Parade.
#puck #cooking
5 days ago
LOS ANGELES -- It was not a pretty game at all. But what mattered for the Sparks is that they got the job done.
The Sparks led by 22 in the fourth quarter. The Sun scored the last 13 points of the game. Los Angeles did not score in the last six minutes and 12 seconds. But again, all of that doesn't matter as the Sparks came away with a win that snapped their six-game losing streak, 77-68.
Sparks coach Lynne Roberts talked about having better starts. According to Justin Russo of Russo Writes, it was the first time the Sparks led after the first quarter at home since June 7th. That is about two and a months ago.
"Defensively, we were dialed in," Roberts said. "Offensively, we were playing with pace. I thought that's how we want to start the games. I thought defensively, we were talking better. Our pickup points were better. We were focused on getting consecutive stops like everyone was in on what we needed to do and I thought that first group did a really really good job."
Rae Burrell once again led the team in scoring with 20 points.
#roberts #defensively
The Sparks led by 22 in the fourth quarter. The Sun scored the last 13 points of the game. Los Angeles did not score in the last six minutes and 12 seconds. But again, all of that doesn't matter as the Sparks came away with a win that snapped their six-game losing streak, 77-68.
Sparks coach Lynne Roberts talked about having better starts. According to Justin Russo of Russo Writes, it was the first time the Sparks led after the first quarter at home since June 7th. That is about two and a months ago.
"Defensively, we were dialed in," Roberts said. "Offensively, we were playing with pace. I thought that's how we want to start the games. I thought defensively, we were talking better. Our pickup points were better. We were focused on getting consecutive stops like everyone was in on what we needed to do and I thought that first group did a really really good job."
Rae Burrell once again led the team in scoring with 20 points.
#roberts #defensively
11 days ago
Arminia Bielefeld host newly-promoted Energie Cottbus on Sunday as Oliver Kirch makes his home debut. The former Borussia Dortmund midfielder lost to Karlsruhe in his managerial debut last week.
Meanwhile, Cottbus pulled off the surprising result of the opening matchday with a 3-1 win over promotion candidates Hannover. Die Lausitzer will now hope to maintain their perfect record with their first away 2. Bundesliga game in over a decade.
Bielefeld: Kersken; Koudossou, Bauer ©, Großer, Handwerker; Russo; Mehlem, Wörl; Momuluh, Grodowski, Rochelt
Cottbus: Lotka; Rorig, Manu, Erlein, Zaydan; Bittencourt, Michelbrink; Ciğerci ©, Boziaris, Butler; Copado
#bielefeld #debut #arminia
Meanwhile, Cottbus pulled off the surprising result of the opening matchday with a 3-1 win over promotion candidates Hannover. Die Lausitzer will now hope to maintain their perfect record with their first away 2. Bundesliga game in over a decade.
Bielefeld: Kersken; Koudossou, Bauer ©, Großer, Handwerker; Russo; Mehlem, Wörl; Momuluh, Grodowski, Rochelt
Cottbus: Lotka; Rorig, Manu, Erlein, Zaydan; Bittencourt, Michelbrink; Ciğerci ©, Boziaris, Butler; Copado
#bielefeld #debut #arminia
19 days ago
Arminia Bielefeld will hope to repeat last season's sensational start to their 2. Bundesliga campaign as they face Karlsruhe away from home. Both teams picked up three points to start last season with wins over the now 3. Liga clubs Fortuna Düsseldorf and Preußen Münster, respectively.
Karlsruhe won last season's home game against Bielefeld 4-1 despite conceding first inside the first 15 minutes. The two teams will now start their new eras under their respective new coaches Maximilian Senft and Oliver Kirch.
Karlsruhe: Bernat; Jung, Kobald, Franke, Ofli; Pinto Pedrosa, Egloff, Zor, Wanitzek ©; Eichinger, Broschinski
Bielefeld: Kersken; Koudossou, Bauer ©, Großer, Handwerker; Russo, Schreck, Wörl; Momuluh, Grodowski, Rochelt
#bielefeld #last #liga
Karlsruhe won last season's home game against Bielefeld 4-1 despite conceding first inside the first 15 minutes. The two teams will now start their new eras under their respective new coaches Maximilian Senft and Oliver Kirch.
Karlsruhe: Bernat; Jung, Kobald, Franke, Ofli; Pinto Pedrosa, Egloff, Zor, Wanitzek ©; Eichinger, Broschinski
Bielefeld: Kersken; Koudossou, Bauer ©, Großer, Handwerker; Russo, Schreck, Wörl; Momuluh, Grodowski, Rochelt
#bielefeld #last #liga
23 days ago
Even Hollywood's most legendary actresses have watched career-defining roles go to someone else. From fiercely contested auditions to casting decisions that changed movie history, these famous near-misses offer a fascinating glimpse at what might have been. Here are 13 acclaimed stars who came surprisingly close to playing some of film and television's most iconic characters.
O'Connor / AFF-USA.com / MEGA
Rene Russo, recognized for her powerful presence in thriller and action films, has brushed with near-misses in both blockbusters and indie projects. Some of the roles she was considered for later became iconic with other actresses in the spotlight. Her story is a testament to how even established stars encounter moments of doubt and challenge, shaping their evolving careers. In fact, Russo wouldn't have landed her breakout part of Lorna Cole in the Lethal Weapon franchise if judged solely on her first tryout, later admitting she was so bad she could feel herself dying, with the director feeling she initially lacked the necessary edge, according to Mental Floss.
MEGA
Sharon Stone is remembered for her intense on-screen charisma, but the road to fame was not without memorable rejections. Directors often recall her fearless auditions, even for roles she didn't get. These setbacks did not deter her, on the contrary, they fueled her future success, making her name synonymous with femme fatales and complex characters alike. Long before she became a household name, co-star Michael Douglas actually wanted a bigger name for the part of Catherine Tramell and refused to do a screen test with Stone at first, per IndieWire.
#mega
O'Connor / AFF-USA.com / MEGA
Rene Russo, recognized for her powerful presence in thriller and action films, has brushed with near-misses in both blockbusters and indie projects. Some of the roles she was considered for later became iconic with other actresses in the spotlight. Her story is a testament to how even established stars encounter moments of doubt and challenge, shaping their evolving careers. In fact, Russo wouldn't have landed her breakout part of Lorna Cole in the Lethal Weapon franchise if judged solely on her first tryout, later admitting she was so bad she could feel herself dying, with the director feeling she initially lacked the necessary edge, according to Mental Floss.
MEGA
Sharon Stone is remembered for her intense on-screen charisma, but the road to fame was not without memorable rejections. Directors often recall her fearless auditions, even for roles she didn't get. These setbacks did not deter her, on the contrary, they fueled her future success, making her name synonymous with femme fatales and complex characters alike. Long before she became a household name, co-star Michael Douglas actually wanted a bigger name for the part of Catherine Tramell and refused to do a screen test with Stone at first, per IndieWire.
#mega
26 days ago
Well, let's start with the good feelings. There was a sentimental feeling percolating around the Yard well before tonight's game, with a team Hall of Fame induction ceremony that saw former O's slugger Chris Davis, 1983 World Series Champion Storm Davis, and late scout Jim Russo all get their green jackets. Both Storm and Chris were in attendance, along with lots of their former teammates, including, to give short pre-game remarks and stop by the MASN booth to chat about their favorite memories.
It was cool to learn that Storm Davis actually served as a mentor to a young Ben McDonald, then a rookie pitcher, now a MASN ****** yst, but I was especially sentimental about Davis's reminiscences, which covered the especially sweet 2012-16 years, when the O's led the AL in wins. Dishing about some of his favorite memories, Davis named several that brought up memories. There was his 2013 home opener grand slam:
View Link
This unreal broken-bat home run off lefty Tony Watson.
And, my favorite, the ludicrously improbable homer he hit off ambidextrous sinker-baller Pat Venditte, a tentative one-handed half-swing that somehow made it into the stands. Davis described it earlier this week: "The home run vs Pat Venditte where I literally ****** out, one handed, I heard he tore up the video room on the visitor side after that… I'm like, I don't know either dude. Like I don't know what I'm doing." Amazing!
#chris #well #like
It was cool to learn that Storm Davis actually served as a mentor to a young Ben McDonald, then a rookie pitcher, now a MASN ****** yst, but I was especially sentimental about Davis's reminiscences, which covered the especially sweet 2012-16 years, when the O's led the AL in wins. Dishing about some of his favorite memories, Davis named several that brought up memories. There was his 2013 home opener grand slam:
View Link
This unreal broken-bat home run off lefty Tony Watson.
And, my favorite, the ludicrously improbable homer he hit off ambidextrous sinker-baller Pat Venditte, a tentative one-handed half-swing that somehow made it into the stands. Davis described it earlier this week: "The home run vs Pat Venditte where I literally ****** out, one handed, I heard he tore up the video room on the visitor side after that… I'm like, I don't know either dude. Like I don't know what I'm doing." Amazing!
#chris #well #like
1 month ago
We have been on Tommy Paul and Paige Lorenze wedding watch since Wimbledon ended. A big hint that the wedding is imminent is a recent social media post featuring Paul and a few familiar faces, namely his tennis peers Taylor Fritz, Frances Tiafoe, and Reilly Opelka playing a game on grass.
Some of those same faces were just playing on the Wimbledon grass. Though we cannot recognize everyone in the video, it looks like a fun start to the festivities.
Paul did not share any wedding details when asked at Wimbledon. All he would say was that Lorenze was not traveling to England this year, regardless of how far he got in the tournament.
MORE: Chris ‘Mad Dog’ Russo blasts ESPN for overhyping Serena Williams at Wimbledon
It is a spirited game of bottle roulette played with tennis racquets, of course. Somehow Fritz lands on the ground. Paul hits left-handed. Everyone looks to be having a good time.
Some of those same faces were just playing on the Wimbledon grass. Though we cannot recognize everyone in the video, it looks like a fun start to the festivities.
Paul did not share any wedding details when asked at Wimbledon. All he would say was that Lorenze was not traveling to England this year, regardless of how far he got in the tournament.
MORE: Chris ‘Mad Dog’ Russo blasts ESPN for overhyping Serena Williams at Wimbledon
It is a spirited game of bottle roulette played with tennis racquets, of course. Somehow Fritz lands on the ground. Paul hits left-handed. Everyone looks to be having a good time.
1 month ago
Chelsea are in advanced talks over a transfer for Manchester United forward Melvine Malard.
Talks are taking place between the clubs over a deal which would be worth in the region of £850,000 plus add-ons, with personal terms not expected to be an issue.
It would represent a club-record sale for United and the highest fee a women’s club has received for a player with a year left on their contract.
The 26-year-old is entering the final year of her contract and it had become increasingly clear that an agreement over renewed terms would not be reached.
United were keen to not lose a high-value player on a free transfer having done so in previous windows when Alessia Russo and Mary Earps both left the club.
Talks are taking place between the clubs over a deal which would be worth in the region of £850,000 plus add-ons, with personal terms not expected to be an issue.
It would represent a club-record sale for United and the highest fee a women’s club has received for a player with a year left on their contract.
The 26-year-old is entering the final year of her contract and it had become increasingly clear that an agreement over renewed terms would not be reached.
United were keen to not lose a high-value player on a free transfer having done so in previous windows when Alessia Russo and Mary Earps both left the club.
2 months ago
LOS ANGELES -- The Sparks make another move as they resume play on Monday.
And as reported by Justin Russo, Laura Ziegler has been waived.
Pili has been attending practice and rehabbing with the team since the fourth of June. She was given a qualifying offer before the season started but didn't take it. But that also meant the Sparks had her rights.
“Alissa has a unique combination of strength, skill and touch that makes her an intriguing player to continue developing,” said Sparks General Manager Raegan Pebley. “She can score inside and out, has a tremendous feel for the game and already has familiarity with our organization. We're excited to continue investing in her growth.”
Laura Ziegler had been getting some game action as of late. She made her WNBA debut during the 30th season Anniversary Game against the Liberty and would play a total of three games with the Sparks. She averaged 2.7 points per contest.
And as reported by Justin Russo, Laura Ziegler has been waived.
Pili has been attending practice and rehabbing with the team since the fourth of June. She was given a qualifying offer before the season started but didn't take it. But that also meant the Sparks had her rights.
“Alissa has a unique combination of strength, skill and touch that makes her an intriguing player to continue developing,” said Sparks General Manager Raegan Pebley. “She can score inside and out, has a tremendous feel for the game and already has familiarity with our organization. We're excited to continue investing in her growth.”
Laura Ziegler had been getting some game action as of late. She made her WNBA debut during the 30th season Anniversary Game against the Liberty and would play a total of three games with the Sparks. She averaged 2.7 points per contest.
2 months ago
Tim Legler says the NBA has never once pushed back on him for criticizing officiating during a broadcast.
Legler was a guest on last week's edition of the Awful Announcing Podcast and was asked directly whether he's ever heard from the league after criticizing an official or a call.
"No, not once," he told host Brandon Contes. "They allowed us to have these conversations."
Jeff Van Gundy's exit from ESPN prompted a similar question back in 2023, when Chris Russo suggested that commissioner Adam Silver had pushed for Van Gundy's removal over his blunt criticism of officiating. Silver offered a strong denial, saying the league has no input on ESPN's talent decisions. Van Gundy and Mark Jackson were both let go that summer without much further explanation, aside from reports suggesting the network believed both had coaching aspirations that would eventually pull them from the booth anyway. Legler now occupies a similar seat in the same booth, and by his account, ****** ody from the league has ever had a problem with what he says.
He chalked that up to the credibility he and Richard Jefferson bring as former players, and to a tone he believes keeps the criticism constructive rather than combative.
Legler was a guest on last week's edition of the Awful Announcing Podcast and was asked directly whether he's ever heard from the league after criticizing an official or a call.
"No, not once," he told host Brandon Contes. "They allowed us to have these conversations."
Jeff Van Gundy's exit from ESPN prompted a similar question back in 2023, when Chris Russo suggested that commissioner Adam Silver had pushed for Van Gundy's removal over his blunt criticism of officiating. Silver offered a strong denial, saying the league has no input on ESPN's talent decisions. Van Gundy and Mark Jackson were both let go that summer without much further explanation, aside from reports suggesting the network believed both had coaching aspirations that would eventually pull them from the booth anyway. Legler now occupies a similar seat in the same booth, and by his account, ****** ody from the league has ever had a problem with what he says.
He chalked that up to the credibility he and Richard Jefferson bring as former players, and to a tone he believes keeps the criticism constructive rather than combative.
2 months ago
Tottenham Hotspur have announced the signing of forward Kirsty Hanson from Aston Villa.
Spurs are keen to build on their impressive 2025/26 WSL campaign and have now snapped up one of the top scorers last season in Scotland's Hanson on a long-term deal.
The 28-year-old scored 12 times for the Villans in 22 league games last season with only Alessia Russo and Bunny Shaw netting more times in the top flight.
"I'm absolutely delighted, it's an exciting time to be a part of this Club. I'm ready for a new challenge, and I'm always wanting to be better every single day," Hanson said after signing for the North London side.
"Martin [Ho], the Club, the staff, the players are at such an exciting point – and I want to be a part of that."
Spurs are keen to build on their impressive 2025/26 WSL campaign and have now snapped up one of the top scorers last season in Scotland's Hanson on a long-term deal.
The 28-year-old scored 12 times for the Villans in 22 league games last season with only Alessia Russo and Bunny Shaw netting more times in the top flight.
"I'm absolutely delighted, it's an exciting time to be a part of this Club. I'm ready for a new challenge, and I'm always wanting to be better every single day," Hanson said after signing for the North London side.
"Martin [Ho], the Club, the staff, the players are at such an exciting point – and I want to be a part of that."
3 months ago
Notorious killer Mackenzie Shirilla — who was found guilty of murdering two pals in 2022 by slamming a speeding car into a brick wall in Ohio — is gleeful over the newfound attention to her case and hopes reality star and criminal justice advocate Kim Kardashian may help get her sprung from the slammer, sources say.
According to insiders, Shirilla, 21, is thrilled over being thrust back into the spotlight by the Netflix documentary The Crash, which examines the tragic deaths of her boyfriend, Dominic Russo, 20, and their friend Davion Flanagan, 19, and her ensuing prosecution.
"Mackenzie is totally buzzing that there's so much interest in her case. She and her parents are convinced they'll get through this and come out strong — not to mention rich and famous," an insider says.
Shirilla and her mother, Natalie, shared a prison phone call in which the jailbird, who was sentenced to 15 years to life, sounded elated over her claims of innocence becoming "national news," according to Daily Mail.
Prosecutors say the then 17-year-old driver purposely gunned the gas and hit the wall at nearly 100 mph, killing her two passengers. Shirilla has insisted a medical emergency is to blame and that she would have never intentionally hurt the two men. "I have no recollection of that morning. I'm not saying I'm innocent," she explains in the doc, per Oxygen. "I was a driver of a tragedy, but I'm not a murderer."
According to insiders, Shirilla, 21, is thrilled over being thrust back into the spotlight by the Netflix documentary The Crash, which examines the tragic deaths of her boyfriend, Dominic Russo, 20, and their friend Davion Flanagan, 19, and her ensuing prosecution.
"Mackenzie is totally buzzing that there's so much interest in her case. She and her parents are convinced they'll get through this and come out strong — not to mention rich and famous," an insider says.
Shirilla and her mother, Natalie, shared a prison phone call in which the jailbird, who was sentenced to 15 years to life, sounded elated over her claims of innocence becoming "national news," according to Daily Mail.
Prosecutors say the then 17-year-old driver purposely gunned the gas and hit the wall at nearly 100 mph, killing her two passengers. Shirilla has insisted a medical emergency is to blame and that she would have never intentionally hurt the two men. "I have no recollection of that morning. I'm not saying I'm innocent," she explains in the doc, per Oxygen. "I was a driver of a tragedy, but I'm not a murderer."
