“Mike and the Mad Dog” fans will finally get their ultimate fix of the legendary New York sports radio show when the program is covered as the subject of an upcoming “30 for 30” documentary.
Former ESPN employee Bill Simmons joined Mike Francesa on the radio at WFAN in New York Wednesday for his first ever guest appearance with the acclaimed host. During the show, Francesa revealed that there would be a “30 for 30” special on the “Mike and the Mad Dog” show formerly hosted by Francesa and longtime radio partner Chris Russo.
“I’ll give a scoop here. And I have not done anything with ESPN for years, but I have agreed to a 30 for 30 on ‘Mike & the Mad Dog.’ I agreed to do it because everyone asked me to. Dog really wanted it,” Francesa said.
30 for 30 is the documentary-style franchise Simmons launched at ESPN, leading Simmons to say that Francesa was killing him by working with his former company.
“Are you trying to kill me?” Simmons said exasperated.
Francesa and Chris Russo teamed up at WFAN in New York from 1989-2008 to form one of the most respected sports talk radio shows in the country. They were their own institution and had their radio show simulcast on TV.
Though Francesa remained at WFAN while Russo moved on and founded “Mad Dog” radio at SiriusXM, the Pope says he would not be against a reunion. The only problem? There wouldn’t be enough money to pay them both.
“The problem with the reunion is that there is nobody that can afford that show anymore,” Francesa explained to Simmons. “Dog and I would have to agree to get paid much less than we are now because of the economy. The business has changed.”
Though the program was local and broadcast in New York, the availability of the show through the YES Network helped “Mike and the Mad Dog” reach a national audience. You better believe this program is going to do huge ratings.
