20 September 2023 , 20:09
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Jamie Carragher has called CBS Sports colleague Micah Richards a "clown" - because the pundit is missing their Champions League coverage to film A League of Their Own.
Richards, 35, was a part of the panel for Tuesday's round of matches but was conspicuously absent for the following day's show. While opening Wednesday's programme, the host Kate Abdo shared the news with viewers at the top of their coverage.
"This is that rare Champions League matchday when we have big names and big games but no 'Big Meeks,'" she said. "It's certainly a lot quieter in this studio today."
That drew hearty laughter from Carragher and fellow pundit Thierry Henry. She introduced the rest of the panel before returning to Richards' absence.
"Before we get to the excitement of the football, you can't help but wonder, what was so important today that Micah had to miss work on the very first week back?" Abdo asks.
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"It would surely have to be something important, maybe an A-list charity gala, right? Raising money for worthy causes? Nope." "What is it?" Henry asked before Carragher speculated that it should be something like "saving people, saving children". After agreeing, Abdo revealed all: "This is, actually, why; we can show you."
Footage then shows Richards wearing a blue A League of Their Own t-shirt. The outfit also features a matching blue tartan kilt, long white socks and blue running shoes.
The pundit is clapping his hands together above his head in rhythm. Richards then runs at full pelt towards a water slide inside the Sky Studios. Upon reaching the slide, he launches forwards head-first towards an archery target. After travelling the entire length, Richards does hit his target.
His fellow pundits were in hysterics watching the short clip. "For this?" Henry asks early on before bursting out laughing. "He chose that over Champions League football, 'Big Meeks'?" Carragher adds.
"Seriously?" the Arsenal legend continues, in disbelief at what he has just seen. "What a clown," Carragher exclaims. "Honestly, he would do anything for money, that man." Henry is still incredulous, again asking: "Is that what he's doing?" Abdo reassures him that it is true, repeating, "That's what he's doing, yeah. Apparently so, yep."
"Oh wow...," is the only reply the France under-21s head coach can muster before his wingman continues: "Instead of Champions League. We've got Bayern Munich vs. Manchester United tonight!"
Henry composes himself to add: "And he's on his belly...," before Carragher sticks the boot in again, interjecting to add: "A big belly!" Cue further laughter as Henry replies by deferring in reply: "You said it," he says as they continue with the programme.
Richards is a regular panellist on the upcoming 18 series of A League of Their Own alongside Mo Gilligan. The pundit reprises the same role from last year's 17th edition of the panel show.