Ruggles Loses World Series Bet to Matt Lauer

NBC 10's Terry Ruggles owes Matt Lauer a dozen cheesesteaks

 NBC Philadelphia's Terry Ruggles made a World Series bet with Matt Lauer -- Tony Luke's cheesesteaks versus Nathan's hot dogs. If the Phillies won, Lauer would have to deliver a dozen hot dogs to Ruggles. But with the Phillies Game 6 defeat, Lauer got a dozen cheesesteaks compliments of Ruggles Friday morning.

"You are a man of your word," Lauer told Ruggles via satellite Friday morning.

On the TODAY Show Thursday, the two discussed their bet -- and of course, Lauer rubbed it in a little. 

"It was a great World Series and the Phillies were great champions," said Lauer. "I just say it was our time to win again and you know, I love the smell of Philly cheesesteaks in the morning. It smells like victory."

Ruggles responded that here in the City of Brotherly Love everyone is "crest fallen" over the Phillies' loss but he thanked Today co-anchor Meredith Vieira for her non-support of the Yanks. Lauer interjected that she's not a Phillies fan just a "Yankee hater," but who cares? We'll take it.

Ruggles continued that he plans to keep up his end of the bargain.

"I'm a man of my word," he said. "Matt, if you are at work tomorrow morning, there will be one dozen Philadelphia cheesesteaks on your desk at 5 a.m."

They weren't there at five on the dot, but the sandwiches arrived at 30 Rock before TODAY went on the air. Tony Luke III crawled out of bed in the early morning hours to make the special cheesesteaks and reps from the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corp. took the trip up the N.J. Turnpike to deliver the goods.

Lauer has promised to keep up his end of the bargain, too -- taking Ruggles to a Yankee game in New York next year.

Contact Us