Wednesday, June 24, 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

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.”

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

NFL Slams Door on Brendan Sorsby’s Supplemental Draft Bid

The league told him to prepare to enter the 2027 NFL Draft instead.
Jan 8, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; ESPN personality Jordan Rodgers during 2026 Fiesta Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Exclusive

Chase Daniel, Jordan Rodgers Promoted As ESPN CFB Analysts

Another change is coming to “SEC Nation.”

Greg Olsen: NFL Franchises Interested in Hosting Tight End U

The annual summer summit is in its sixth year.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

6/24/26 – NBA Draft Recap, NFL Rejects Sorsby, PGA Tour Restructures, NHL Eyes Texas Expansion

0:00

Featured Today

Indiana Fever guard Lexie Hull (10) celebrates a three-point basket Monday, June 22, 2026, during the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Indiana Fever defeated the Phoenix Mercury, 86-77

Female Athletes Are Trying to Build the ‘Athleisure of Beauty’

“Performance cosmetics” have emerged alongside the women’s sports boom.
June 18, 2026

Why U.S. Open Host Sites Are on a 25-Year Plan

The U.S. Open has already picked out 22 future sites through 2051.
Wisconsin Badgers forward Laila Edwards, left, and defender Caroline Harvey celebrate after Edwards scored against the Minnesota Gophers in the first period in a game Saturday, February 8, 2025, at LaBahn Arena in Madison, Wisconsin.
June 15, 2026

Two Rookies Are Rewriting Women’s Hockey Stardom

Their platforms are a mutual boon for the PWHL and its players.
Ai sports slop
June 5, 2026

How Sports Became Ground Zero for AI Slop

The category is the perfect breeding ground for AI content churn.
FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup - UEFA Qualifiers - Group A - Germany v Luxembourg - Rhein-Neckar-Arena, Sinsheim, Germany - October 10, 2025 Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann
June 4, 2026

‘Weird Corners of the World’: How to Find a World Cup Coach

National associations look for a winning record—and also hope for serendipity.
Oct 11, 2025; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers head coach Brian Kelly looks on against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Exclusive

Brian Kelly to Call CBS College Football Games

Kelly previously contributed to CBS Sports Network’s NFL Draft coverage.
Chicago, IL - May 10, 2026: Jay Bilas during the 2026 NBA Draft Lottery.
June 22, 2026

Jay Bilas: 2026 NBA Draft Is Most Star-Studded Since 2003

The longtime ESPN analyst has high hopes for the 2026 class.
June 12, 2026; Inglewood, California, U.S.; Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Folarin Balogun and Malik Tillman of the U.S. celebrate their first goal, an own goal scored by Paraguay's Damian Bobadilla. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
June 24, 2026

USMNT World Cup Run Could Push Fox Ad Rates Past $2 Million

Fox was charging nearly $1 million for USMNT group-stage games.
Sponsored

How Daktronics Is Reshaping the Modern MLB Ballpark Experience

The technology powering baseball’s next chapter.
Dec 7, 2024; Carson, California, USA; Alexi Lalas looks on before the 2024 MLS Cup between the LA Galaxy and the New York Red Bulls at Dignity Health Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Opinion
June 22, 2026

Have Soccer Fans Had Enough of Fox’s Alexi Lalas?

The former USMNT star has been a polarizing presence for Fox.
ESPN host Rece Davis
June 22, 2026

Rece Davis to Host ESPN’s Wimbledon Coverage

Davis replaces former host Chris McKendry, who is moving to play-by-play.
June 19, 2026

UFC’s Freedom 250 Draws 17 Million Viewers

The event was available exclusively on Paramount+. 
Feb 11, 2026; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Jimmie Johnson (84) during qualifying for the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images
Exclusive
June 17, 2026

Jimmie Johnson Joining TNT as NASCAR Analyst

Johnson will make his TNT debut on June 28.