Craig Melvin lost a bet to Today coanchor Savannah Guthrie and was forced to reap the consequences.
Craig, 45, and Savannah, 53, made a bet last week regarding the NFC Championship game. Savannah is a Philadelphia Eagles fan, while Craig roots for the Washington Commanders. They said that whichever host’s favorite team wins, the other person rooting for the losing team had to do something crazy on air.
Fans voted on TODAY.com for what the punishment would be out of a couple of options. Since the Commanders lost the game, Craig has to now wear a temporary tattoo of Savannah’s face all week long on a noticeable part of his body. During the Monday, January 27, episode of Today, Craig showed off the temporary ink on the back of his neck.
“I haven’t even seen the picture,” he said. The tattoo featured a photo of Savannah wearing Eagles merch.
“Let this be a lesson. Don’t gamble,” he added.
Cohosts Carson Daly and Al Roker were both on hand to see Craig’s new ink. Even though it’s a temporary tattoo, Carson, 51, said that it might last a little longer than Craig thinks.
“My 10-year-old daughter wore one of these fake tattoos, and we couldn’t get it off for 6 months. So, Craig, if you’re at tubby time tonight and this doesn’t come off easily, don’t worry,” the radio host explained.
Savannah was thrilled that her team will be advancing to the Super Bowl to face off against the Kansas City Chiefs and even more thrilled that she won the bet. The game was quite a blowout, as the Eagles won 55 to 23.
“Oh my God, it looks so good, Craig,” the longtime broadcaster said after seeing the tattoo on her cohosts neck.
“I wish I could see it,” Craig said, to which Savannah responded, “Don’t worry, you’ll see it on TV!”
In addition to the tattoo, Savannah gave Craig a Saquon Barkley Eagles jersey.
Prior to Craig losing the bet, Al, 70, joked that if Craig lost, he would be “going full Jelly Roll,” referencing the singer’s tattoos.
“Yeah, I guess, you’re right,” Craig said confidently at the time. “But that’s not gonna happen because the Commanders are gonna prevail.”
Craig first took over the conanchor spot from Hoda Kotb on January 13 after she left the show. Since then, he’s been doing a pretty great job sitting next to Savannah at the news desk at the top of the hour in each episode.
Hoda, 60, sweetly left a letter for Craig as he stepped into her role on the show.
“Craig! I’m moving forward, so reach back your hand. Grab the baton, your world will expand. The adventures are endless … the people so dear,” she wrote in the letter. “Great memories await, year after year. Day One! You are ready surrounded by love. Your team is the kind you can only dream of. Savannah, Al and Carson are here! With partners like these, your runway is clear. From out on the plaza, to inside 30 Rock, Your fans are so eager, they’re watching the clock. The time has arrived to rise like the sun. I am cheering for you, and a fabulous run!”
