MOLLY Qerim didn't appear on First Take on Wednesday's show - and fans shared their displeasure with her absence. Instead, the fiery personality Chris "Mad Dog" Russo filled in - and he certainly brought the fire to the ESPN program. First Take was introduced to Russo and Smith on the show.
Smith told fans that Qerim was off for the rest of the week and was ready to perform his patented energy-filled cold open. But Russo cut him off in a hilarious fashion. "No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no,, no.
I am the guy! I am Mr. ESPN Bet." he yelled out to Stephen A.
Smith. Read More on Molly Qerim "I am the guy." Russo referenced commercials in which he has starred for ESPN BET - the network's online sportsbook.
"First Take is in the house!" Russo finished his cold open while wagging his finger in the air. Russo handled the First Take hosting duties and displayed his liveliness throughout the show. Most read in Sport But fans still urged Qerim to return to the program on social media .
"Please come back @mollyqerim," one said. "Please come back to @FirstTake it’s unwatchable without you," another commented. "I Miss @MollyQerim but Mad Dog substitute was entertaining as hell," a third added.
Fortunately for First Take, Qerim will likely return to the show on Monday. On Friday, the show will be broadcast at the HBCU school Tennesee State University. Smith and Sharpe will be part of the live show.
They will be joined by NFL legend Cam Newton. The program will also bring on former NFL .