Michael Irvin has a new job. He will join the rotating cast of co-hosts on FS1’s Undisputed according to John Ourand of Sports Business Journal. The news left Shan Shariff a bit confused.
“If FS1 can put Michael on the air, why can’t ESPN or NFL Network?” he asked Mike Florio, who joins 105.3 The Fan’s Shan & RJ on Tuesday morning.
Florio, who was a practicing attorney before devoting his efforts to Pro Football Talk full time, agreed that the decision is curious to say the least. Irvin was never fired by NFL Network or ESPN, but he has been suspended since the Super Bowl following allegations of misconduct. Even more strange is the fact that NFL Network will not let Irvin appear on air, but still promotes that he is part of NFL Gameday.
He added that a deal to join Undisputed doesn’t necessarily have indicate anything about Irvin’s status at NFL Network.
“The FS1 thing actually is better than the ESPN gig because FS1, NFL Network – in the same general location. It’ll be easier for Irvin to do both. But I don’t think they’ve figured out what they’re going to do with Irving yet. They need to figure it out at NFL Network. Whatever happens at FS1, they still need to figure it out.”
On Friday, Shan & RJ welcomed Florio to the show to discuss the long amount of time Irvin had been in limbo with his TV employers. Tuesday, Shariff asked Florio if the Hall of Fame has a legal case. He has already sued Marriott. Could he sue television networks next?
Florio doesn’t see that happening, particularly with NFL Network.
“I think the reason he never sued the VFL is because he’d like to go back to work for the NFL, and I think once you pull the pin on that grenade, it makes it pretty hard to rebuild the relationship.”
