Wednesday, July 29, 2026
  • -
    days
  • -
    hours
  • -
    minutes
  • -
    seconds

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

Exclusive

NFL Flag Championship Sees Highest Rating Yet

In its third year, the NFL Flag Championships delivered record viewership.
Jan 11, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter (98) against the San Francisco 49ers in an NFC Wild Card Round game at Lincoln Financial Field.

Record Salary Cap Pushes NFL Contracts to New Highs

Historic contracts continue to show the league’s deep pockets.

YouTube TV Bolsters Its Sports Lineup With ESPN, NBC Deals

The streaming service significantly expands its sports programming.

NFL’s Next Commissioner: 11 Possible Roger Goodell Successors

NFL owners eventually will need a successor to Roger Goodell, just not yet.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

7/29/26 – FIFA’s $20B Profit Machine, Record NCAA Jersey Patch Deals, LIV Golf Cancels Another Event

0:00

Featured Today

Tom's Watch Bar

Sports Bars Are Cashing In From Summer of Soccer

The World Cup has brought a windfall to America’s biggest sports bars.
Jun 16, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; France forward Michael Olise (11) controls the ball against Senegal during a Group I match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at New York New Jersey Stadium
July 16, 2026

Where World Cup Stars Go to Customize Their Cleats

The world’s best players turn to a Scottish craftsman for perfect cleats.
July 10, 2026

What the World Cup Means to Erling Haaland’s Tiny Hometown

The tournament’s breakout star is from a rural Norwegian town.
July 10, 2026

Why So Many Media Outlets Are Rushing Into Sports

Sports coverage has ballooned in every corner of media.
Pillow Fight Championship
July 8, 2026

How Obscure Sports Get Mainstream TV Deals

For niche sports, getting on TV often matters more than getting paid.

Yankees, Knicks Ditch Gotham App for DAZN Deal

Yankees, Knicks, Nets, Rangers, Devils, Islanders, and Sabres all head to DAZN.
Shaq Dunkman League
July 28, 2026

Could Shaq’s Dunkman League Revive the NBA Slam Dunk Contest?

The dunking league is hopeful to eventually work with the NBA.
Jul 25, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Team Spoon center Jonquel Jones (35) holds the All Star MVP trophy during the 2026 WNBA All Star Game at United Center.
July 28, 2026

WNBA All-Star Game Draws 3.2 Million Viewers

Caitlin Clark missed last year’s game, but was healthy this year.
Sponsored

Saints Great Turns to Ownership

Marques Colston discusses the launch of Champions Fund and how he navigated the business world after football
Feb 4, 2026; San Francisco, CA, USA; Carolina Panthers former receiver Steve Smith Sr. on the NFL Network set at the Super Bowl LX media center at the Moscone Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Exclusive
July 28, 2026

Steve Smith Sr. Slated for ESPN Studio Role

The former All-Pro receiver has been with NFL Network since 2017.
Paris 2024 Olympics - Basketball - Men's Quarterfinal - Brazil vs United States - Bercy Arena, Paris, France - August 06, 2024. Joel Embiid of United States and Lebron James of United States react during the match. REUTERS/Brian Snyder
July 27, 2026

LeBron James Turns 76ers Into National TV Fixture

The NBA had been waiting on James’s decision to finalize its schedule.
July 24, 2026

Paramount Takeover of Warner Bros. Could Be Delayed Until June 2027

The delays and costs continue to mount.
CBS sportscaster and former NFL quarterback Tony Romo chats with the media Tuesday, June 27, 2023 during the OSF Children's Hospital of Illinois Championship & Pro-Am at Metamora Fields Golf Club.
July 24, 2026

Tony Romo Arrested for OWI in Milwaukee

The CBS NFL analyst is due in court on Sept. 21.