Chris Russo torches ‘turncoat’ Paul Finebaum for joining Stephen A. Smith on the Deion Sanders bandwagon

Stephen A. Smith may have welcomed Paul Finebaum on the Deion Sanders bandwagon, but don’t expect Christopher “Mad Dog” Russo to climb aboard.

During his weekly appearance on ESPN’s First Take Wednesday morning, Russo dedicated a portion of his ‘What Are You Mad About?’ segment to ripping Smith, and especially Finebaum, for their recent praise of Sanders.

“Did I hear this week that Stephen A. and now Finebaum, that turncoat, they’re gonna sit there and tell me…that Deion Sanders is the coach of the year in college football?” – Chris Russo pic.twitter.com/VbpLkCIlXn

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) October 2, 2024

“Did I hear this week that Stephen A. and now Finebaum, that turncoat, they’re gonna sit there and tell me that because they beat UCF, that Deion Sanders is the coach of the year in college football?” Russo asked.

It wasn’t long ago that Finebaum was very critical of Sanders, even claiming Smith should return his journalism degree for defending the Colorado football coach, albeit over a media dispute and not the program’s on-field product. But Tuesday on First Take, Finebaum said he was wrong to criticize Sanders last month and was now “scraping the egg” off his face following Colorado’s 48-21 victory over UCF.

“How in the world do you give it to Deion Sanders?” Russo ranted. “Listen, I like Deion too, he gets great ratings. He’s got personality. He’s done a great job, I get it. But let’s take it easy, Steve. Colorado is the team of the year so far in college football? And Finebaum, who should know better, jumping on the bandwagon so you two could kiss each other’s fanny on Monday and Tuesday. You’re both nuts and you’re both wrong!”

The win over UCF saw Colorado’s record improve to 4-1 on the season, but more impressively, it won Finebaum’s approval. Despite Finebaum’s quick about-face on Sanders this season, don’t expect Russo to ask Smith if there’s any room left on the Colorado bandwagon during his next First Take appearance.

[First Take]