Michael Irvin, the former Dallas Cowboys star and Hall of Famer, has made a sudden and highly anticipated return to the NFL Network this weekend.
Michael Irvin finally made a sudden return to NFL Network this weekend.https://t.co/MMA2eq8JAo
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) September 11, 2023
After settling his defamation lawsuit against Marriott, Irvin officially resumed his role as a commentator for the network on Sunday morning.
This return comes just in time for the kickoff of the 2023 NFL season, marking an exciting moment for both Irvin and his fans.
Michael Irvin returned to NFL Network's NFL GameDay Morning Sunday after settling his defamation lawsuit against Marriott. "Good to be back." pic.twitter.com/MxtXcAK6Fi
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) September 10, 2023
The lawsuit, initially filed with a staggering $100 million claim, accused Marriott and six others of defamation and tortious interference in a business relationship. The allegations stemmed from an incident that took place in a hotel lobby in Arizona earlier this year.
A female employee accused Irvin of making lewd and inappropriate comments, leading to his removal from the NFL Network’s Super Bowl coverage and subsequent absence from the network. However, on Sunday morning, The Dallas Morning News reported that Irvin and Marriott have reached a settlement in the case, though details of the agreement remain undisclosed.
During the incident at the Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel, Irvin was accused of misconduct by the hotel employee.
At the time, the specifics of the allegations were not immediately clear.
According to a legal motion filed by Marriott, it was claimed that Irvin, appearing visibly intoxicated, approached the hotel employee and engaged in aggressive behavior towards her following a dinner that night.
In March, a video of the encounter between Irvin and the female employee was released, despite Marriott’s efforts to prevent its publication. The video showed Irvin shaking hands with the woman, touching her arm twice, and then parting ways after a two-minute interaction.
Throughout the ordeal, Irvin consistently denied the allegations and expressed his bewilderment at the situation.
He revealed to The Dallas Morning News that he had been drinking earlier that night and did not recall the specifics of the conversation.
No criminal charges were ever filed regarding this incident.
Prior to his legal dispute, Michael Irvin had a remarkable career as a player, spending twelve seasons with the Dallas Cowboys from 1988 to 1999. During his time with the team, Irvin secured three Super Bowl victories and was ultimately honored with induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2007.
Since retiring as a player, Irvin has transitioned into analyzing the game as a commentator for the NFL Network, a role he has filled since 2009.
