Monday, May 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

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

Dec 25, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) is interviewed by Netflix reporter Stacey Dales following a win against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
opinion

NFL ‘Tempting Fate’ With Open-Armed Embrace of Streamers

The NFL’s media rights strategy isn’t without potential risk.

Nashville’s New $2.1B Stadium Expected to Land 2030 Super Bowl

Team owners will vote on future Super Bowl and NFL Draft locations.
Dec 12, 2021; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Urban Meyer on the sidelines against the Tennessee Titans during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports

Jaguars Win $30M Contract Dispute Against Urban Meyer

The Jaguars fired Meyer for cause in 2021.

Featured Today

NFL Rivalries Are Made on the Field, Mocked in Schedule Release Videos

Every year, teams find new ways to one-up themselves (and their rivals).
Bart Swings/Falyn Fonoimoana/Avery Poppinga
May 14, 2026

OnlyFans Is Paying Pro Athletes What Their Sports Won’t

The adult-content platform is a reliable income source for niche athletes.
May 13, 2026

How Sports Graphic Designers Are Grappling With the Rise of AI Art

The release of ChatGPT 2.0 Images sparked a conversation among sports designers.
May 12, 2026

Collectible Cups Are Sending Sports Fans Into a Frenzy

The drink is secondary to the wild vessel it comes in.

NFL Teams Mock ‘AI Slop’ After Cardinals Schedule Video

The Cardinals did not immediately answer questions from FOS.
May 14, 2026

NFL Schedule Rollout Ramps Up With Full Thanksgiving Slate, Leak Frenzy

CBS gets a top NFC North rivalry to start the Thanksgiving Day games.
May 14, 2026; Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, USA; Emiliano Grillo plays his shot on the tenth hole during the first round of the PGA Championship golf tournament at Aronimink Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-Imagn Images
May 15, 2026

Can CBS Regain Its Golf Mojo After Masters Disaster?

All eyes will be on CBS following its issues in Augusta.
Sponsored

Volpe Brings Style to the Bronx

With the New York Yankees & Anthony Volpe, Charles Tyrwhitt is bringing its decades-long playbook to one of sports’ biggest stages.
May 13, 2026

Netflix Deepens Its NFL Ties With Expanded Five-Game Package

The streaming giant significantly increased its presence with the league.
Los Angeles, CA - May 8, 2026 - LAPC: Stephen A Smith and Skip Bayless on the set of First Take.
May 13, 2026

‘First Take’ Ratings Up 24% for Skip Bayless Return

The episode marked Bayless’s first ESPN appearance in a decade.
Mar 15, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; ACC commissioner Jim Phillips hands the championship trophy to Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer after the 2025 ACC Conference Championship game against the Louisville Cardinals at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
May 13, 2026

ACC Backs Duke-Amazon Deal Despite Big Ten Concerns

ACC commissioner Jim Phillips revealed ESPN was involved in the discussions.
TNT Sports
May 13, 2026

WBD Leans Further Into Sports With Paramount Deal Looming

The TNT Sports parent company pushes ahead with its own programming plans.