Keyshawn Johnson will reportedly be a regular contributor to Undisputed throughout the NFL season, according to John Ourand of Sports Business Journal. Johnson was recently laid off by ESPN after the cancellation of his national morning radio show with Jay Williams and Max Kellerman. The former NFL receiver inked a five-year contract with the “Worldwide Leader” last year after having been with the network for parts of 16 years working on its television and radio programming.
At the moment, the only regular contributor formally announced to be joining Undisputed is hip-hop sensation Lil’ Wayne. Recent reports have indicated that Bayless will be joined by Richard Sherman and Rachel Nichols for episodes of the show, which returns to the airwaves on Aug. 28.
Following a suspension from NFL Network and being off the air at ESPN after an accusation of harassment, Michael Irvin was thought to be contributing to Undisputed as part of its commentator lineup to face off against Skip Bayless during the National Football League season.
Yet Sports Business Journal amended its report early Monday afternoon after indicating that Irvin would likely be part of the football panelist rotation, instead stating that it is “unlikely he will have a role.” This expected resolution reportedly follows significant conversations the network had with him about joining its morning debate show.
Irvin had previously had a stint with ESPN before he was let go by the network in February 2007, but was quickly rehired less than a year later to host his own eponymous radio program in Dallas, Texas. Smith has been vocal about wanting to have Irvin back on First Take with him during the football season.
The five-time Pro Bowl selection and Pro Football Hall of Fame member played 12 seasons in the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys. He quickly became a mainstay on ESPN’s First Take during football season, frequently appearing on Mondays with featured commentator Stephen A. Smith. Recent reports indicated that Shannon Sharpe is in discussions to join First Take on Mondays and Tuesdays following his departure from Undisputed, which were followed by Smith affirming that nothing had been officially signed.
FOX Sports declined comment regarding the report of Irvin and Johnson joining the lineup, although the former has since now been identified by Ourand as unlikely to join.
