Michael Irvin Back With NFL Network After Settling Lawsuit Over Harassment Allegation
After settling his $100 Million defamation lawsuit against Marriott International, Pro Football Hall of Famer Michael Irvin made his return to the NFL Network’s Game Day show on Sunday (September 10), reports Sports Illustrated. Terms of the settlement have not been disclosed.
In a statement, NFL Media vice president of communication Alex Riethmiller confirmed Irvin’s return.
“Michael Irvin has been reinstated and will be a part of the NFL Network’s coverage of the 2023 season,” the statement read.
While many believed Irvin was terminated from his post as a football commentator, the Dallas Cowboys legend was still being compensated by the network since the sexual misconduct allegations came to light.
When the alleged incident became public, Irvin was also removed from covering the NFL by ESPN.
In February, Irvin filed the lawsuit against Marriott and six others alleging that a hotel employee at the Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel falsely accused him of misconduct during the week of the Super Bowl.
"Evidently, as Plaintiff was sleeping one of the managers of the Hotel reported false information to the NFL about the Plaintiff accusing him of improper behavior towards a hotel employee,' the lawsuit read.
According to Irvin’s account, the interaction with the hotel employee was minimal.
“This all happened in a 45-second conversation in the lobby," Irvin recalled. "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 also said that he initially didn’t remember the encounter because he “had a few drinks, to tell you the truth.” Afterward, he went to his hotel room and slept.
Irvin vehemently denied any wrongdoing and no criminal charges were ever filed over the incident.
Not only did Irvin return to Game Day on the NFL Network, but he also joined Undisputed on FS1 along with Skip Bayless, Keyshawn Johnson, and Richard Sherman.
Over his 12-year career, Irvin spent each season with the Cowboys and won three Super Bowls.
