Chris “Mad Dog” Russo started off Wednesday’s episode of First Take with a subtle hint at Stephen A. Smith’s reportedly massive new contract.

According to a Tuesday report from Variety, Smith and ESPN were nearing a contract extension after months of negotiating. The deal is set to include a “first-look” agreement for “Smith-backed concepts across Disney’s general-entertainment properties,” giving the sports commentator expanded access within The Walt Disney Company.

Additional reporting from The Athletic put the deal in the range of six years and $120 million. Should that figure hold, it would make Smith the highest-paid personality at ESPN. In his current deal, Smith reportedly makes $12 million — $8 million in pure salary and another $4 million for his production company.

When The Athletic reached out to him, Smith said, “False,” before adding that he does not talk about contract negotiations.

“Never have, never will,” he said.

On First Take, however, Russo seemingly made it known he was well aware of Smith’s impending contract situation. When host Molly Qerim opened the show by asking how everyone was, Russo said he was “very good.”

“Very chipper?” Qerim asked Russo.

“The guy in front of me is very chipper,” Russo said while looking directly at Smith. “I can guarantee you that! Hello, Steve! How are you?”

As Russo burst into laughter, Smith simply dropped his head and said with a smile, “He’s so crazy.”

“I’m good, man,” Smith continued. “I’m good.”

Watch above via ESPN

The post ‘Chipper?’ Stephen A. Smith Gets Ribbing from ESPN Colleagues Amid Reports He’s Closing in on Massive New Contract first appeared on Mediaite.

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