Mar 2, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; NFL Hall of Fame player Michael Irvin during the 2024 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Reports: Michael Irvin out at NFL Network

The NFL Network is parting ways with Michael Irvin after 15 years, multiple outlets reported Friday.

The league-owned channel will not renew the Hall of Fame member’s contract amid a series of cost-cutting moves that also reportedly includes the cancellation of the show “NFL Total Access.”

Irvin, 58, had been an analyst at NFL Network since 2009 and was a key member of the crew for Sunday’s pregame show “NFL GameDay Morning.”

The NFL Network suspended Irvin in February 2023 after a hotel employee in Arizona accused him of inappropriate conduct during Super Bowl week. He was reinstated in September after settling a $100 million defamation lawsuit with Marriott.

Irvin won three Super Bowl championships with the Dallas Cowboys during the 1990s. Known as “The Playmaker,” the wide receiver was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2007.

His departure comes on the heels of last month’s personnel cuts at NFL Network that included Andrew Siciliano, Melissa Stark and James Palmer.

–Field Level Media

Feb 8, 2023; Phoenix, AZ, USA; NFL Network reporter Jim Trotter at press conference at Phoenix Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Reporter Jim Trotter sues NFL, claims he was retaliated against

Longtime NFL journalist Jim Trotter filed a lawsuit against the league Tuesday, alleging his departure from NFL Media was retaliatory and racially motivated.

Trotter, who is Black, claimed his employment at NFL Media ended earlier this year after he “challenged Commissioner Roger Goodell … regarding the NFL’s record of race discrimination and lack of diversity” at Goodell’s pre-Super Bowl press conference. NFL Media is owned and operated by the league.

NFL Network also is named as a defendant in the suit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. The league has claimed Trotter’s contract was not renewed due to economic decisions.

“We share Jim Trotter’s passion for quality journalism created in and supported by a diverse and inclusive environment,” the league said in a statement. “We take his concerns seriously, but strongly dispute his specific allegations, particularly those made against his dedicated colleagues at NFL Media.”

While not named as a defendant, Buffalo Bills owner Terry Pegula is alleged in the lawsuit to have made racist comments about Black NFL players.

Trotter relayed a conversation with a fellow NFL Media reporter, who was not identified. That reporter was speaking with Pegula in 2020 about the Black Lives Matter movement and the NFL’s social justice programs, and Pegula said, “If the Black players don’t like it here, they should go back to Africa and see how bad it is.”

Pegula denied making the comment in a statement Tuesday.

“The statement attributed to me in Mr. Trotter’s complaint is absolutely false,” Pegula said. “I am horrified that anyone would connect me to an allegation of this kind. Racism has no place in our society and I am personally disgusted that my name is associated with this complaint.”

Trotter’s lawsuit said that he took a complaint to NFL Media executives, who told him that the league office was investigating it.

Trotter also alleged that Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones told him in 2020 that, “If Blacks feel some kind of way, they should buy their own team and hire who they want to hire.” Neither Jones nor the Cowboys have commented.

Trotter, who now works for The Athletic, is seeking unspecified damages as well as an investigation into “discriminatory and/or retaliatory animus of all persons in position of power within the NFL,” per the lawsuit.

“The NFL has claimed it wants to be held accountable regarding diversity, equity and inclusion. I tried to do so and it cost me my job,” Trotter wrote on social media Tuesday. “I’m filing this lawsuit because I can’t complain about things that are wrong if I’m unwilling to fight for what is right.”

–Field Level Media

Feb 6, 2023; Phoenix, AZ, USA; NFL Network reporter Michael Irvin speaks with Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni during Super Bowl Opening Night at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Judge orders hotel to turn over records in Michael Irvin lawsuit

Marriott International, Inc. has until Monday to release to a court any video or other potential evidence regarding an encounter Pro Football of Fame member Michael Irvin had with a hotel employee during Super Bowl week in Phoenix, USA Today reported Friday.

A judge ordered Marriott to submit recordings, written statements, and the names and contact information of those who contacted the NFL to report what they witnessed transpire between Irvin and the female staff member.

Irvin filed a lawsuit last week against the chain and the woman, who works at the Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel. She accused him of inappropriate behavior, and NFL Network removed him from his lineup of analysts and sent him home.

Irvin is seeking $100 million in damages. His attorney, Levi McCathern, told TMZ that Irvin’s reputation has not only been damaged but that he lost money in the form of canceled appearances following the woman’s allegations.

“It is clear Michael is the latest victim of our cancel culture where all it takes is an accusation to ruin a person’s life,” McCathern told TMZ. “Michael looks forward to clearing his name in court and hopes the Court of public opinion will see the truth come out as well.”

The 56-year-old Irvin told The Dallas Morning News last week that he had a brief encounter with the woman in the hotel lobby.

“Honestly, I’m a bit baffled with it all,” Irvin told the newspaper. “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.”

–Field Level Media

Feb 6, 2023; Phoenix, AZ, USA; NFL Network reporter Michael Irvin speaks with Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni during Super Bowl Opening Night at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

NFL Network pulls Michael Irvin from Super Bowl coverage

NFL Network pulled Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver Michael Irvin off the air for coverage this week leading up to Super Bowl LVII after a woman complained about Irvin’s conduct on Sunday.

“Michael Irvin will not be part of the NFL Network’s Super Bowl LVII week coverage,” NFL Network spokesman Alex Reithmiller said in a statement.

The specific nature of the complaint against Irvin wasn’t known Wednesday. He took part in Media Night festivities on Monday.

Irvin, 56, told The Dallas Morning News that he had he had a brief encounter with the woman in a hotel lobby and that they shook hands.

“Honestly, I’m a bit baffled with it all,” Irvin told the newspaper. “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.”

Irvin said he couldn’t remember anything else.

“I don’t really recall that conversation, to tell you the truth,” Irvin said. “We were out drinking. It was just a friendly conversation. ‘What’s up?’ I don’t even know.”

“I am totally perplexed,” he continued. “That’s honestly all that happened. Nobody was in my room. It was a 45-second conversation in the lobby, a handshake and we left. … I don’t know. I don’t know what this is, and it’s running me crazy.”

Irvin won three Super Bowl championships with the Dallas Cowboys in the 1990s. The wide receiver was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2007.

He joined NFL Network as an analyst in 2009.

–Field Level Media

Sep 29, 2019; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New England Patriots former player and current NFL Network analyst Willie McGinest on the field prior to a game between the Buffalo Bills and the New England Patriots at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

Willie McGinest arrested for alleged assault with deadly weapon

Willie McGinest, the longtime New England Patriots linebacker now working as an analyst for NFL Network, was arrested Monday on a potential felony charge of assault with a deadly weapon.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department confirmed to media outlets that McGinest was arrested in connection with a Dec. 9 incident in a nightclub in West Hollywood.

TMZ obtained video purporting to show McGinest and other men approaching a man sitting at a booth. McGinest punches the victim before the other attackers take their turns. McGinest is also accused of bashing the victim’s head with a bottle.

McGinest provided a statement at the sheriff’s station Monday morning and was taken into custody. He posted $30,000 bond and was released the same morning. He’s now scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday.

McGinest, 51, played the first 12 seasons of his 15-year NFL career with the Patriots and was part of three Super Bowl-winning teams. He was a Pro Bowl selection in 1996 and 2003 and ranks second in Patriots history with 78 sacks.

In 15 seasons with the Patriots (1994-2005) and Browns (2006-08), McGinest played in 212 games and recorded 804 tackles and 86 sacks, as well as a league-record 16 postseason sacks.

NFL Network told media outlets that McGinest will not appear on television while the network reviews the case.

–Field Level Media

Aug 28, 2021; Landover, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh (R) looks on as team medical personnel help Ravens running back J.K. Dobbins (27) after being injured against the Washington Football Team in the first quarter at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Ravens RB JK Dobbins disputes Week 1 readiness report

Baltimore Ravens running back JK Dobbins refuted an NFL Network report that doubted his readiness for the team’s season-opening game.

Dobbins, 23, missed all of last season after tearing the ACL in his left knee during the preseason.

On Monday, NFL Network reporter Ian Rapoport said Dobbins is “no sure thing for Week 1” and that “Baltimore has no incentive to rush him back.”

Dobbins responded with a series of tweets Monday afternoon, saying he may not go on the PUP list and insisting that he is “damn sure going to be ready for week 1.”

“Just know I been working… I been quiet for a reason. I thrive best when I face adversity… .go check my resume,” Dobbins wrote.

“I would post videos but I want all you fake a** doctors and people who have never spoken a word to me to see what me and Jesus been up to on the biggest stage.”

A second-round draft pick, Dobbins rushed for 805 yards and nine touchdowns and added 18 catches for 120 yards in 15 games (one start) as a rookie in 2020.

The Baltimore depth chart at running back also includes Gus Edwards and veteran Mike Davis.

–Field Level Media

Sep 21, 2019; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart is interviewed by CBS sports reporter Jamie Erdahl after defeating the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Jamie Erdahl to host ‘Good Morning Football’

Jamie Erdahl will take over as host of NFL Network’s “Good Morning Football” effective July 25.

She will join Kyle Brandt, Peter Schrager and Will Selva on the Emmy-winning show, which airs weekdays beginning at 7 a.m. ET. She replaces Kay Adams, who left the network in May.

Erdahl, 33, had been with CBS Sports since 2014, working as a sideline reporter for the NFL and the NCAA men’s basketball tournament. She also was the lead reporter for SEC on CBS, an anchor on CBS Sports HQ and an analyst for select women’s college basketball games.

Erdahl, who previously worked at NESN in the Boston area, will continue to work for CBS on special assignments.

“To be able to add a talent of Jamie’s caliber and experience to ‘Good Morning Football’ is tremendously exciting for not only the show but NFL Network overall,” said Mark Quenzel, NFL Network senior vice president in charge of content. “I have long been a fan of Jamie’s since her time at NESN, and throughout her career thus far she has earned a remarkable reputation throughout the industry.”

–Field Level Media

Feb 2, 2020; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA;  Rich Eisen of the of the NFL Network prior to the Super Bowl LIV at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

NFL Network’s Rich Eisen quarantining with COVID-19

NFL Network sportscaster Rich Eisen announced Thursday he is in quarantine after testing positive for COVID-19.

Eisen, 52, said he received both doses of the Pfizer vaccine in February.

“Double-vaxxed. COVID+. It’s possible, folks,” he posted on Instagram. “As someone sitting Day 4 in quarantine and fighting off symptoms, I can personally attest you still need to be careful and, most importantly, get vaccinated.”

Eisen worked at ESPN from 1996-2003 before joining the NFL Network.

“So, be careful if you’re vaccinated and, if you’re not vaccinated, don’t wait another second,” Eisen wrote. “I know my comments might get messy, but life is truly too short. Stay safe and healthy everyone.”

–Field Level Media

Feb 2, 2020; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Kurt Warner of the NFL Network prior to the Super Bowl LIV at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Kurt Warner says he tested positive for COVID-19

Hall of Fame quarterback and NFL Network studio analyst Kurt Warner announced Friday that he tested positive for COVID-19.

“… Bummed I won’t be in studio w/my guys on NFL Gameday Morning bc I have recently tested positive for Covid… I’m doing well, going through protocols & hope to be back in studio next weekend!” Warner posted on Twitter.

Warner joined NFL Network in 2010 following his 12-year NFL career. The two-time MVP and Super Bowl XXXIV winner was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2017.

–Field Level Media

Feb 28, 2020; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; A view of the NFL microphone during the 2020 NFL Combine in the Indianapolis Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

NFL Network suspends reporter Rapoport

NFL Network has suspended reporter Ian Rapoport for a violation of network policy.

Rapoport announced the suspension Friday night to his 2.3 million followers on Twitter.

“Recently, I posted something to my social channels without clearance from NFL Network, which went against its guidelines. As a result, I will be off-air until October 22,” Rapoport said in his statement. “I respect and understand the decision made by the network and am deeply sorry for my mistake.”

The New York Post said Rapoport was suspended for posting a video ad for a men’s grooming product that the network hadn’t authorized.

His suspension will keep him off the network throughout Weeks 5 and 6.

He becomes the second high-profile reporter suspended by a network over the past three months.

On July 11, ESPN suspended NBA reporter Adrian Wojnarowski without pay after he sent a profane email to Missouri Republican Sen. Josh Hawley after Hawley wrote a letter to league commissioner Adam Silver that questioned the NBA’s relationship with China, among other points.

–Field Level Media