Monday’s episode of First Take came with the usual drama and … virtual balloons?
Chris “Mad Dog” Russo appeared as a guest on the venerable ESPN debate show and was going off on Iowa’s 26—0 loss to Michigan in Saturday’s Big Ten championship game when he was suddenly sabotaged by a flurry of balloons on screen.
Russo was in the middle of a rant explaining why Iowa’s failure to score in the first half cost him big, as the commentator explained he’d bet the halftime over of 2.5 points for Iowa.
“All they had to do was kick a stupid field goal! They had the ball seven times. They had three first downs. They did not score. Kick a field goal!” Russo crowed.
Betting the over for the Hawkeyes, regardless of the opponent, was Russo’s first mistake. His second came in the middle of the broadcast, when he raised two fingers while talking about Iowa’s 2.5-point spread. Without warning, virtual balloons started popping up on Russo’s screen.
Mad Dog is not happy with Iowa for not being able to hit the first half over of 2.5 points which he bet.
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) December 4, 2023
Also, there are virtual balloons flooding his screen like it's his birthday on Twitter for some reason? pic.twitter.com/RkOwPS3IYx
Why did this happen?
A little known fact for Apple computer users: When someone makes a victory or peace sign on FaceTime or another videoconferencing app on a Mac, the interface will automatically react by simulating a 3-D effect of colorful balloons floating across the frame.
Russo, of course, had nothing to celebrate, having lost his bet on Iowa. He may think twice before betting on the Hawkeyes again—while also being wary of making certain hand gestures on video calls.
