Molly Qerim tells Mad Dog ‘you’re nuts’ after he steals Stephen A. Smith’s seat and does impression of absent ESPN star

Chris “Mad Dog” Russo brought the energy to start Wednesday’s show

FIRST Take guest Chris “Mad Dog” Russo started the ESPN show on Tuesday by mocking Stephen A. Smith’s absence.

Smith has been out of the ESPN studios all week, and Russo teased him by sitting in his chair to kick off the show.

Chris Russo mocked Stephen A. Smith to start the show on Tuesday
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Chris Russo mocked Stephen A. Smith to start the show on TuesdayCredit: ESPN

Molly Qerim called out Russo for sitting in Smith's chair
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Molly Qerim called out Russo for sitting in Smith’s chairCredit: ESPN
Smith admitted to being on vacation in a special episode of his podcast on Monday.

“I know it’s a Monday and usually it’s not a special edition cause I’m coming at you three times a week over the digital airwaves of YouTube each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at the very least.”

“But damn it, I’m on vacation!” he said.

On Wednesday, Russo, impersonated Smith’s trademark opening by running over to his seat and dusting it before sitting down.

“Now we do our sports talk program!” Russo satirized.

“First Take is in the house.”

First Take Host Molly Qerim quickly jumped in and told Russo, “You’re nuts,” before transitioning to the show’s opening topic.

Russo and former NBA player-turned-analyst Tim Legler were alongside Molly for the show’s first debate.

Kicking off the broadcast, Molly welcomed their viewers before a quick shoutout to her missing colleague by calling out Russo for sitting in Smith’s seat.

“What’s going on, everyone? Welcome to First Take…A Mad Dog Wednesday in Steven A’s chair. Does he know about this?” Qerim asked.

Russo fired back, “He’s not here. He’s not coming in.”

Molly was stunned and responded with multiple “wows” before telling him to prepare for the show.

“We got a full crew today. You better get ready.”

“It’s you against the world… Can you handle all these voices?” Qerim said after naming off the show’s scheduled guest list.

With Smith out and the NBA and March Madness in full effect, the show had on Legler, NBA insider Brian Windhorst, Kimberly A. Martin, Ex NFL stars Ryan Clark, Dan Orlovsky, NCAA analyst Seth Greenberg, and longtime MLB reporter Tim Kurkjian.

First Take airs every weekday from 10 am ET to midday.