The football world was largely disgusted to find out that Michael Irvin remains suspended by the NFL Network.
Many feel that Irvin is a victim of bogus money-grab allegations and feel his employer should stick up for him and give him his job back.
Irvin’s legal battle against Marriott and several of its employees continues as the lawsuit remains ongoing, along with his suspension from the NFL Network.
According to reports, Irvin’s status as an analyst at the NFL-owned outlet has remained unchanged throughout his five-month suspension, much to the disappointment of the majority of the football world.
The suspension came into effect just days before the Super Bowl in February, following an alleged incident involving Irvin and an employee at the Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel.
The employee, referred to as “Ms. Doe” in the civil case filed in Maricopa County, has not wavered in her allegations against Irvin, as stated in court documents obtained by Front Office Sports.
“[Jane Doe] admits she reported to security and management personnel of the hotel that Irvin made inappropriate sexual comments to her, exhibited aggressive body language toward her, and said that he would come back to find her again in the next few evenings,” stated lawyers representing Marriott and the woman in the court documents.
In response, Marriott’s legal team disputed almost all of the allegations presented in Irvin’s amended complaint, which was filed on behalf of the woman.
The refuted claims include Irvin’s assertion that there was no harassment, assault, or inappropriate conduct during his interaction with Ms. Doe, as well as his legal team’s contention that the woman knowingly made false statements with malicious intent.
Furthermore, Irvin’s lawyers accused the Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel and Marriott of making a false report to the NFL without regard for its truth or falsity.
This ongoing lawsuit marks the third legal action against Marriott since Irvin’s eviction from the hotel, his suspension by the NFL Network, and the cancellation of his scheduled appearance before Super Bowl LVII.
In the initial lawsuit filed in a Texas county court, Irvin sought $100 million in damages. However, the focus of his legal team shifted to obtaining surveillance footage, which was made public following approval from a federal judge in March.
Both the first lawsuit and a federal lawsuit were dismissed before the current case was filed in Phoenix on March 14. Although the released video footage lacked audio due to legal restrictions regarding public area surveillance, it did not exonerate Irvin, despite his claims at the time of its release.
“I am so thankful for this video because without it, I just don’t know where this would have gone,” Irvin expressed in March.
Apart from being sidelined by the NFL Network, Irvin stated in court filings that he had to cancel multiple planned public appearances, including those with sponsors such as Cigna and PepsiCo, as well as a fundraiser for the Wounded Warriors Project.
According to his lawyers, Irvin has not been contacted for any future public engagements since the defendants published their statements regarding the hotel incident.
With no hearing scheduled for the case, it remains uncertain when it will reach a resolution, while the upcoming NFL season looms closer.. Irvin’s 15th season as an NFL Network analyst hangs in limbo.
Where do you stand on the situation?
Irvin hasn’t always been an angel, but many feel this situation is nothing more than a money-grab by the alleged victim.
If Irvin remains sidelined during the season, the football world will surely miss his personality and analysis.