ESPN shuts down Chris Russo’s rant on Bill Belichick’s girlfriend Jordon Hudson just as it was getting good

New York Post - Apr 23rd, 2025
Open on New York Post

Chris “Mad Dog” Russo attempted to launch into a rant on ESPN’s “First Take” about Bill Belichick’s girlfriend, Jordon Hudson, supposedly wearing a 28-3 jersey, a reference to the Patriots' famous Super Bowl comeback. However, Hudson wasn't wearing such a jersey, but an Atlanta Falcons champion t-shirt from that year. The segment was quickly halted by host Molly Qerim, likely following directions from the producers, leading to an awkward moment and a subsequent commercial break. The situation highlighted the show's discretion over sensitive topics.

The incident underscores the tense dynamics within sports commentary, especially concerning personal lives of public figures like Belichick, who is now dating a much younger former college cheerleader involved in his new coaching role at the University of North Carolina. The story sheds light on ESPN's editorial control and the balancing act of maintaining engaging discussions without crossing into controversial or personal territory. It also reflects on the media's fascination with blending sports with personal anecdotes and relationships.

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.4
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article effectively captures a recent incident involving Chris Russo on ESPN's "First Take," providing a clear and engaging narrative. However, it lacks balance and transparency, with limited source attribution and a narrow perspective focused primarily on the show's dynamics. While the story is timely and has potential for moderate public interest and controversy, its impact is likely confined to the realm of sports media rather than broader societal issues. Overall, the article is well-written and accessible but would benefit from additional context and source verification to enhance its credibility and depth.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The story provides several factual claims that are largely accurate but require verification for full confidence. For instance, the claim about Jordon Hudson wearing an Atlanta Falcons championship t-shirt instead of a 28-3 jersey is precise and aligns with available evidence. However, the assertion that Bill Belichick requested Hudson be copied on all emails needs further confirmation, as it could significantly impact his professional image. The story accurately captures the sequence of events on the "First Take" show, but the motivations behind the producers' intervention remain speculative without direct statements from those involved.

6
Balance

The story primarily presents a single perspective focusing on the incident involving Chris Russo and the ESPN show. It lacks a broader range of viewpoints, such as comments from Bill Belichick, Jordon Hudson, or ESPN producers, which could provide a more balanced understanding of the situation. There is a potential bias towards emphasizing the controversial nature of Russo's comments and the show's reaction, without exploring the reasoning or context behind the decisions made by the show’s producers.

8
Clarity

The story is generally clear and concise, effectively conveying the sequence of events and the core issue at hand. The narrative flows logically, detailing the incident on "First Take" and Russo's halted rant. However, the piece could benefit from more explicit explanations of why the producers might have intervened and the implications of Belichick's alleged email request. Despite this, the article maintains a neutral tone and avoids overly complex language, aiding reader comprehension.

6
Source quality

The story appears to rely on direct observations from the "First Take" broadcast and potentially secondary sources for background details, such as the nature of Hudson's attire. However, it does not cite specific sources or provide direct quotes from involved parties like ESPN producers or Belichick, which would enhance credibility. The lack of attributed sources or official statements limits the reliability of some claims, particularly those concerning Belichick's personal and professional decisions.

5
Transparency

The article lacks transparency regarding its sources and the basis for some claims, particularly those about Belichick's email practices. It does not disclose how the information was obtained or whether attempts were made to contact the involved parties for comments. This lack of disclosure makes it difficult for readers to assess the full context and potential biases influencing the story.

Sources

  1. https://www.mediaite.com/sports/they-said-no-first-take-producers-tell-molly-qerim-to-shut-down-mad-dog-russos-rant-about-bill-belichicks-girlfriend/