Why was Michael Irvin pulled from Super Bowl coverage? Latest on accusations against Cowboys legend
Former NFL wideout Michael Irvin will not be appearing at any more media events for the remainder of Super Bowl week. The former Hall-of-Fame receiver is accused of misconduct by a woman he met in a hotel lobby that he shook hands with.
NFL Network pulls #Cowboys Hall of Fame WR Michae Irvin from all of his Super Bowl events and appearances after a woman accused him of misconduct, according to @GehlkenNFL
dallasnews.com/sports/cowboys… https://t.co/XmAqlX8nkH
Via the Dallas Morning News, Irving described the situation as a "brief, public and largely non-physical encounter."
The NFL's media vice president of communications, Alex Riethmiller, said in a statement that Irvin will not be a part of NFL Network’s Super Bowl LVII for weekly coverage.
According to TMZ, a judge in Arizona has since ordered the hotel to turn over any video footage of the alleged interaction.
"On Thursday afternoon, a judge granted the motion ... saying the clips must be sent to Irvin by Feb. 20," TMZ reported.
The encounter reportedly occurred on Sunday via Irvin, who spoke with The News in a phone interview from Glendale, Arizona. Irvin had dinner with a former Cowboys safety and upon returning to his hotel room, he struck a conversation with the lady alleging him for the accusations.
Michael Irvin addresses allegation
Following the accusations, Irvin spoke with The Dallas Morning News about the ongoing situation.
Irvin told The News that he's baffled by the situation, and reiterated that he doesn't know the girl.
Irvin said:
“Honestly, I’m a bit baffled with it all. 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 continued:
“I don’t really recall that conversation, to tell you the truth. We were out drinking. It was just a friendly conversation. ‘What’s up?’ I don’t even know. … I am totally perplexed.
“What law did I break? There was definitely nothing physical. … 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.”
Former Cowboys WR Michael Irvin won't make any of his scheduled Super Bowl week appearances on NFL Network after a woman accused him of misconduct in a hotel lobby. Irvin said they spoke briefly, and their only physical contact was a parting handshake. dallasnews.com/sports/cowboys…
Irvin works for the NFL Network and makes guest appearances on ESPN as well. It is unclear whether or not he will appear on First Take this Friday due to the ongoing allegations, as ESPN declined to comment on the situation.
It is also unclear whether or not Michael Irvin will be present at the Super Bowl this Sunday.
If you use any of the above quotes, please credit The Dallas Morning News and H/T Sportskeeda