Sunday, October 18, 2026

Michael Irvin Pulled From NFL Network, ESPN Super Bowl Coverage

  • Woman makes a complaint against the Hall of Fame wide receiver.
  • Former Dallas Cowboy will not appear on ESPN’s ‘First Take’ show on Friday.
Michael Irvin and Nick Sirianni spoke at Super Bowl.
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

PHOENIX – Michael Irvin has been pulled from his NFL Network duties for Super Bowl week after a woman reported a complaint against the Hall of Fame wide receiver.

The allegation may also impact the broadcast’s scheduled appearance on ESPN’s “First Take” this week.

“Michael Irvin will not be a part of NFL Network’s Super Bowl LVII week coverage,” said Alex Riethmiller, NFL Network’s vice president of communications. 

The NFL legend will not appear with Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim’s on Friday’s Super Bowl preview edition of the top-rated weekday morning show, sources said. 

ESPN declined to comment.

Tom Brady and Terry Bradshaw.

‘Waiting For Brady’ Now Playing At Fox Sports During Super Bowl Week

Tom Brady will wait one year before taking top analyst chair.
February 8, 2023

Irvin, nicknamed “The PlayMaker,” works full-time as an NFL Network analyst while moonlighting with Smith on “First Take.”

Irvin was on the job for NFL Network Monday night, interviewing Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and coach Andy Reid at Footprint Center. 

Irvin told the Dallas Morning News he was “baffled” by the accusation.

“This all happened in a 45-second conversation in the lobby. When I got back after going out … I came into the lobby and I talked to somebody. I talked to this girl. I don’t know her, and I talked to her for about 45 seconds. “We shook hands. Then, I left…That’s all I know.”

Download the FOS App

The business of sports, in your pocket.

QR code to download the app

Scan the QR code to get the app now.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

NFL Says Paris Game Still on as French Protests Escalate

Unrest has grown in France in recent days.

Another Eagles Reset? Losing Streak, Hurts’s Contract Loom Large

The Eagles’ struggles could prompt another organizational overhaul.

CFP Expansion Could Raise Stakes for Coaches, Buyout Costs

Nick Saban warns more playoff spots could mean more firings.

NFL Reinstates Josh Jacobs, Jonathon Cooper From Paid Leave

Each player missed six games while on the commissioner-exempt list.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

10/16/26 – Aikman Eyes Free Agency, CFP Nears 24 Teams, Stoudemire Becomes Cop

0:00

Featured Today

College Flag Football Is Outgrowing Its DIY Era

Women have been building the college game themselves at the club level.
Oct 5, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas arrives at the arena before the Penguins host the Winnipeg Jets at PPG Paints Arena
October 12, 2026

NHL’s New Wave of GMs Is Built Different

“I am in the prediction business,” Devils GM Sunny Mehta tells FOS.
Action Images/Peter Cziborra
October 9, 2026

Is Leicester City’s $264 Million Price Tag Too Rich for Hungry Investors?

After falling from grace, how much is a former top club worth?
Oct 3, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer waits to run onto the field prior to the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
October 7, 2026

Who Is Alabama Football in Year 3 Under Kalen DeBoer?

The No. 6 Crimson Tide host No. 2 Georgia on Saturday.
Cubs behind the scenes
October 6, 2026

Hollywood and TikTok: Sports Media’s New ‘Blueprint’

Teams and leagues are pouring money into the quest for fans.
Troy Aikman
Exclusive

Troy Aikman, Dolphins Have No Ongoing Consulting Agreement

Aikman’s official role ended with the coach and GM searches.
Nov 3, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Television commentator Troy Aikman speaks before the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Arizona Cardinals at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
October 15, 2026

Aikman Eyeing ‘Next Landing Spot,’ Doesn’t Deny Rift With Buck

Aikman is slated to become a free agent after the season.
Opinion
October 15, 2026

Troy Aikman–Joe Buck Breakup Looks More Likely Than Ever

ESPN hasn’t formally offered Troy Aikman a new deal, sources say.
Sponsored

The State of AI in Sports 2026

Front Office Sports and Teamworks reveal how AI is reshaping sports in the first industry-wide report on adoption, investment, and impact.
October 14, 2026

ESPN Not Reaching Out on Clippers Story Was ‘Disappointing’ for Torre

Torre spoke at the FOS Tuned In summit Tuesday.
Pablo Torre Tuned In Front Office Sports
October 14, 2026

Pablo Torre: Not Getting Sued by Jordon Hudson ‘Kind of a Bummer’

Hudson had threatened to sue Torre for defamation over his podcast’s investigations.
ESPN/ABC Monday Night Football commentators Joe Buck, left, and Troy Aikman before the Detroit Lions vs. Las Vegas Raiders game at Ford Field, Monday, Oct. 30, 2023.
Exclusive
October 14, 2026

Joe Buck, Troy Aikman Have Had Tension Amid ESPN Contract Talks

The “MNF” duo had an argument before this week’s broadcast.
Jun 27, 2026; Chaska, Minnesota, USA; Nelly Korda hits from a fairway bunker on the first hole during the third round of the KPMG Women's PGA Championship golf tournament.
October 14, 2026

LPGA’s Media-Rights Deals Depend on PGA, NFL Negotiations

LPGA commissioner Craig Kessler is watching the landscape closely.