Quick update related to this story about the historic move of WFAN, the sports radio station, to Manhattan after spending 20 years in downright decrepit studios in Queens.
Chris “Mad Dog” Russo, who abruptly left WFAN for Sirius over a year ago, was reunited on the air today with his former “Mike & the Mad Dog” show co-host Mike Francesa. It was the first time Russo, who turns 50, has appeared on WFAN since he split.
Russo, who turns 50 on Sunday, told Francesa he “misses talking sports with you.” Mad Dog, who was his familiar, flailing, manic self, said one reason he wanted to come on the show was to prove there wasn’t animosity between the two, as had been widely reported. (Uh, Dog, you waited 14 months to do that?)
On Thursday, Francesa appeared on Russo’s Sirius as a surprise guest, and is expected to appear again on Friday.
Both Sirius and WFAN are broadcasting live from Yankee Stadium in New York today leading up tonight’s Game One of the American League Championship Series between the Yankees and Los Angeles Angels.
Russo had been offered a multi-year deal worth a reported $2.5 million to stay at WFAN. Sirius offered him a reported $3 million, and gave him his own 24-hour sports channel.
[PHOTO: Francesa, left, and Russo, in 1992, via Daily News]