Chris Russo Walks Back Retirement Claim After D-backs Reach World Series

The Arizona Diamondbacks defeated the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 7 of the National League Championship Series on Tuesday night, clinching a spot in the World Series and sending sports talk radio host and personality Chris Russo into retirement.

Well, maybe not the second part.

The "Mad Dog" has become known for his hot takes and bold claims over his decades-long career. But Russo, apparently jokingly, put his job on the line earlier this week. The MLB Network and SiriusXM host claimed that if the 84-win D-backs came back from a 3-2 series deficit against the Phillies, he would turn his microphone off for good.

"I'll say this right now[...]write it down," Russo said during his show Monday. "If they win the next two days, they win the next two games and win this series in seven games, if they win, I will retire on the spot."

The Diamondbacks, who have enjoyed sticking it to Russo, won. But "Mad Dog" isn't retiring. Instead, he seems to have accepted a proposal for an alternate punishment that involves him wearing a bikini. What?

Here's a recap on the Russo-Diamondbacks feud.

'Mad Dog' Wasn't a D-backs Believer

The Diamondbacks, the No. 6 seed in the National League, had plenty of doubters throughout the postseason. But none were as loud as Russo.

Philadelphia took a 3-2 series lead over the weekend, and on Monday returned home with two chances to win and reach the World Series. Before Game 6, Russo made it clear who he thought was going to win the NL Pennant.

"To make a long story short, I've been wrong on Arizona from Day 1," Russo said Monday. "I'm stunned they beat Milwaukee, I thought they'd be swept by the Dodgers, I never thought they'd even go back to Philly for a Game 6. I'll try it one more time: I would not be stunned if they won [Game 6], I'd be floored."

Throw in a retirement declaration, and a Russo-Diamondbacks clash was born.

Arizona Manager Responds, Russo Doubles Down

Word got back to Arizona manager Torey Lovullo that Russo claimed he would retire if the Diamondbacks eliminated the Phillies. And that's exactly what Lovullo wanted to see happen.

"I would love to see him quit if we won today," Lovullo said before Game 7, noting Russo is a friend of his. "You know what I mean? There's nothing better than a wise guy New Yorker saying something and then having to chomp on those words."

Russo responded on X, formerly Twitter, by saying he stood by his promise.

Diamondbacks Celebrate, Chant 'Mad Dog'

Arizona had plenty to celebrate after a 4-2 pennant-clinching win over the Phillies. And, apparently, that included proving Russo wrong. The Diamondbacks chanted "Mad Dog," while smoking cigars and celebrating with their trophy on Tuesday night in Philadelphia.

The Diamondbacks will face the Texas Rangers in this year's World Series.

Russo Definitely Isn't Retired

"Mad Dog" appeared on The Howard Stern Show early Wednesday morning, after receiving a reminder of his promise from the Diamondbacks, to address whether he is retreating into a forced retirement. Long story short, the answer is no. Instead, Stern seemed to negotiate a different way for Russo to eat his words.

"How about this?" Stern said. "You come on my show—I'll come into Manhattan for this—we put you in a bikini, all right? And you walk down the street with a sign that says, 'I'm a [expletive].' If you do that, people will say, 'OK, it's all right – Mad Dog is suffering.'"

"That's a little more reasonable," Russo responded. "That is a little fair. That's fair. That one—I can live with that. That's not the worst idea."

The two ultimately agreed to the sign reading "liar and dope." Russo also said that he would make a charitable contribution to a foundation of Arizona's choosing to make amends.

Longtime Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto suggested on X that Russo's sign should read, "I got bit by the D-backs and all I got was this lousy wedgie" during the punishment.

Russo also made one of his regular appearances on First Take on Wednesday morning. ESPN's Stephen A. Smith told Russo that he had to run errands and be quiet during the show to make up for how he treated the Diamondbacks.

"You went too far," Smith said.