Thursday, October 29, 2026
Exclusive
Media

Willie McGinest Is Out At NFL Network

  • Three-time Super Bowl winner is being sued for a restaurant brawl in Los Angeles.
  • He is the latest NFLN departure after Jim Trotter, Rachel Bonnetta, and Mike Giardi.
Willie McGinest
Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

The NFL Network is parting ways with analyst Willie McGinest, sources tell Front Office Sports.

McGinest, a three-time Super Bowl winner with the New England Patriots, is being sued for allegedly attacking a restaurant patron in West Hollywood on Dec. 9. 

McGinest voluntarily surrendered to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department on Dec. 19. He’s facing two felony charges and possibly eight years in prison.

The NFL Network suspended McGinest and removed him from the air pending investigation of the charges, according to ProFootballTalk.

The 51-year University of Southern California alum later issued a statement offering his deepest apologies for his conduct to his family, friends, community and colleagues, and the youths he mentors.

“I feel horrible for my actions and take full responsibility,” McGinest wrote on Dec. 23. “To my colleagues at the NFL Network and those I work closely with as an advisor to professional and community-based organizations, please know I am embarrassed and regret what occurred.”

NFL Media Laying Off Some On-Air Talents

Columnist Jim Trotter tweeted his contract was not renewed.
March 27, 2023

McGinest is the latest big name to head for the exits at the league’s 24/7 network following the departures of columnist Jim Trotter, anchor/host Rachel Bonnetta and reporter Mike Giardi.

Meanwhile, ESPN is also bracing for sweeping layoffs to comply with Walt Disney Co. chief executive Bob Iger’s order to slash 7,000 jobs and $5.5 billion in costs. 

McGinest could not be reached. NFL Network declined to comment.

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

Exclusive

NFL Told Saquon Barkley to Divest Polymarket Stake

“I was in it before, but no bueno,” Barkley told FOS.
Worldwidewob
Exclusive

Why World Wide Wob Walked Away From NBA Twitter

He’s “still covering L.A. police chases daily on Twitch.”

NFL’s $250K Fines for Vrabel, Sirianni, Glenn Put on Hold

The NFL continues its crackdown on unsportsmanlike conduct involving players, coaches, and officials.
Mat Ishbia
Exclusive

White Sox Co-Owner Mat Ishbia Endorses MLB Salary Cap—and Floor

The club owner told FOS he supports major economic reform.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

10/29/26 – Brewers Win World Series, Ernie Leaving ‘Inside the NBA,’ Saquon’s Polymarket Exit

0:00

Featured Today

Football - NFL - Houston Texans v Jacksonville Jaguars - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - October 18, 2026 The necklace of a Jacksonville Jaguars fan outside the stadium before the match

Die-Hard Sports Fandom Has Reached the Afterlife

Will fans pay $6,000 to memorialize their team loyalty?
October 20, 2026

Why Europe Is Pumping Out NBA Superstars

The NBA and NCAA have an increasingly European flavor.
October 15, 2026

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?
Milwaukee Brewers right fielder Sal Frelick (10) watches his RBI double during the fifth inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the Tampa Bay Rays Monday, Oct. 26, 2026 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Why Fox Downplayed World Series Game 3 Ratings

A Brewers rout and the sports equinox drove viewership far lower.
Apr 3, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Ernie Johnson looks on during a practice session ahead of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium.
October 28, 2026

Ernie Johnson Leaving ‘Inside the NBA’ After 37 Years

He’ll still be around for March Madness and other projects for TNT and CBS.
October 28, 2026

McAfee Details FBI ‘GameDay’ Guidance After Kirk Shooting

He confirmed an FOS story that FBI protected him from assassination attempts.
Sponsored

How the New York Yankees Stay Game-Ready with Sage Intacct

See how Sage Intacct helps the Yankees streamline finances and plan for the future.
Sep 14, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Broadcaster Pat McAfee prior to a game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Denver Broncos at Arrowhead Stadium.
October 27, 2026

ESPN Stands by McAfee’s ‘Very Real and Valid’ Concerns

An ESPN spokeswoman says the network takes all threats very seriously.
October 27, 2026

Jerry Jones Says Cowboys Hiring Troy Aikman ‘Very Possible’

Jones and Aikman spoke on the field Monday night.
October 27, 2026

WNBA Finals Game 6 Will Test Daytime Sports Viewership

The Valkyries would clinch the WNBA Finals with a win Thursday.
Oct 25, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (97) sacks Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) during the second quarter at Ford Field.
October 26, 2026

Tom Brady Candidly Questioned Officiating in Packers-Lions

Fox’s officiating expert backed him up.