NFL Network makes decision on Michael Irvin’s future
Feb 3, 2019; Atlanta, GA, USA; Michael Irvin at NFL Network laughs before Super Bowl LIII between the New England Patriots and the Los Angeles Rams at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
NFL Network has parted ways with numerous on-air personalities in recent months, and Hall of Fame wide receiver Michael Irvin is the latest.
Irvin has been let go by NFL Network, Ryan Glasspiegel of the New York Post reported on Friday. NFL vice president of communications Alex Riethmiller confirmed the news.
NFL Network is also doing away with its “NFL Total Access” show at the end of the month. The nightly show has been part of NFL Network’s programming lineup since 2003.
Irving was removed from NFL Network’s on-air coverage of the Super Bowl two seasons ago after a female employee at a Marriott-branded hotel in Phoenix accused him of sexual misconduct. Irvin maintained that he did nothing wrong and only had a conversation with the woman.
Irvin filed a $100 million defamation lawsuit against the woman and the hotel on Feb. 16. The Dallas Cowboys legend’s attorney was granted a motion demanding hotel video of the interaction be released to Irvin. The video was released several weeks later. Though it did not include audio, the clip showed Irvin having a roughly 2-minute conversation with the accuser and never making physical contact with her.
Several months later, Irvin settled the lawsuit and returned to his job with NFL Network.
Irvin had been with NFL Network since 2009. The 58-year-old also makes regular appearances on FOX Sports 1’s “Undisputed.”
NFL Network let go of several other on-air personalities a month ago. The NFL has reportedly had negotiations about selling NFL Network to ESPN, so even more changes could be coming if that happens.
