ESPN Dumps Michael Irvin

http://nfl.aolsportsblog.com/2007/02/17/espn-dumps-michael-irvin/

ESPN Dumps Michael Irvin

Posted Feb 17th 2007 8:04PM by Ryan Wilson
Filed under: Cowboys, NFC East, NFL Fans, NFL Media Watch

It's official: the Michael Irvin Era is over in Bristol. From the Dallas Morning News:

Two weeks after his election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Michael Irvin is out of work. Irvin and ESPN have officially parted ways, ESPN spokesman Bill Hoffheimer said Saturday.

"Michael will not be with us this fall," Hoffheimer said.

Hoffheimer stressed that Irvin had not violated any contractual morals clause. Irvin has been a regular on ESPN's two primary NFL studio shows, Sunday NFL Countdown and Monday Night NFL Countdown.

"This was a decision that came from our annual review," Hoffheimer said.

Irvin was not immediately available for comment.

The New York Post speculated in Friday's edition that Irvin's days might be numbered, and ProFootballTalk.com confirmed as much earlier today.

It's worth reiterating that ESPN pointed out Irvin hadn't "violated any contractual morals clause." Which leads me to believe he's now unemployed strictly for his on-air performance, unlike Harold Reynolds, who ESPN allegedly canned for being a little too hug-happy. The difference: Reynolds was actually good at his job.

Whatever, Sunday mornings during the football season will now be much more enjoyable. Thanks to this AOL FanHouse reader for the tip.