Chris Russo, host of the show “First Take,” recently criticized Desmond Howard and Charles Woodson, both Michigan alumni, for their lack of credibility in discussing the sign-stealing scandal that has plagued the university’s football program.
During a segment on his show, Russo expressed his disapproval of Harbaugh and Michigan for trying to play the victim in the midst of the ongoing NCAA investigation.
The Big Ten Conference has already suspended Harbaugh for three games due to the evidence of illegal activity.
However, rather than accepting their punishment, Michigan has used the backlash as a rallying cry and claimed to be “America’s team” for enduring the adversity they brought upon themselves.
Russo’s point was that Harbaugh should not seek sympathy or support, and that Michigan alumni, especially those in the media, should refrain from covering the scandal.
Russo believes that they lack credibility and should let the college football experts handle the situation.
“I cannot believe that Michigan is acting like they somehow got a raw deal! And by the way, no more Michigan announcers on television shows, STEVIE! Defending Michigan’s program.” Russo ranted while looking at Stephen A. Smith.
Mad Dog rebukes certain analysts from talking about Michigan
Cc: Desmond Howard and Charles Woodson pic.twitter.com/vWcGvu70zs— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) November 15, 2023
Although Russo didn’t mention Howard by name, Kimberley A. Martin and Marcus Spears quickly identified who he was referring to.
Spears warned that Howard would have something to say about Russo’s comments.
“Desmond Howard coming in five minutes,” Spears said. “Doggie, you out here starting a mess now. Desmond’s about to…you’re gonna hear from Desmond.”
Another Michigan alumni who has garnered attention is Charles Woodson. Woodson, who works as a pregame analyst for Fox, called the scandal a disgrace.
Russo questioned Woodson’s credibility, pointing out that he had no right to make such statements.
“What mess did I make?” Russo asked disingenuously. “Well, how about Charles Woodson? How about Woodson on Fox doing the pregame on Saturday saying, ‘This is a disgrace!’ He’s got NO CREDIBILITY, for crying out loud!”
Interestingly, there has been a notable difference in how ESPN and Fox have covered the scandal.
ESPN personalities have taken a strong stance against Michigan, while Fox personalities, led surprisingly by Colin Cowherd, have downplayed the allegations.
This discrepancy further fuels the debate surrounding the scandal.
