Keyshawn Johnson worked out a settlement with ESPN that clears the way for the former NFL star to join Skip Bayless on FS1’s “Undisputed,” Front Office Sports confirmed on Friday.
Bayless broke the news of Johnson’s hire on Monday, but that announcement was premature since Johsnon had about $18 million left on his multiyear deal with ESPN. Johnson’s representatives and ESPN worked out a deal this week.
The deal means ESPN will keep the vast majority of that money owed to Johnson, a source with knowledge of the settlement told FOS.
Johnson was among 20 on-air personalities the network cut this summer. He was an NFL analyst at ESPN and also co-hosted a show on ESPN Radio.
The New York Post was the first outlet to report the settlement.
Shannon Sharpe’s departure led “Undisputed” to go on hiatus most of the summer. The show returns Monday. Beyond Johnson, Michael Irvin, Richard Sherman, and Rachel Nichols will be contributors.
Sharpe’s addition to ESPN’s “First Take” — Bayless’ old show hosted by Stephen A. Smith — became official this week.
