Michael Irvin filed a $100 million lawsuit against the woman who accused him of misconduct. The NFL Hall of Famer said he’s being “railroaded” with false accusations that could ruin his sports analyst career.
Irvin, 56, was sent home from the Super Bowl in Arizona after a hotel employee claimed he “said something” to her in the lobby of a Phoenix hotel on Sunday, Feb. 5.
The hotel manager contacted Irvin’s employer the NFL Network. Irvin was confronted by officials from the NFL Network who made him move to a different hotel.
Earlier this week, it was announced that Irvin would not be a part of the NFL Network’s Super Bowl coverage.
ESPN also removed Irvin from appearances at Super Bowl events this week.
The lawsuit, obtained by TMZ Sports, was filed Thursday, Feb. 9. The NFL legend said the hotel where he was staying in Phoenix conspired to cancel him and ruin his career.
“Rash and thoughtless actions can have severe consequences. Marriott [parent company of Renaissance Hotels] apparently did not appreciate these simple truths when, in a rush to judgment, its employees and management inaccurately and inflammatorily accused Mr. Irvin of misconduct to the National Football League,” the lawsuit reads.
According to the lawsuit, witnesses backed Irvin’s initial claim that he “casually exchanged pleasantries” with the employee, “shook her hand, and went to his room alone.”
The lawsuit accuses the hotel manager of reporting the alleged incident to the NFL “with the intention of damaging that relationship and canceling [Irvin].”
Michael’s attorney says his client’s reputation has not only been damaged, but the allegation cost him lost revenue from canceled appearances.
Irvin is seeking in excess of $100 million.
Irvin’s attorney tells TMZ, “It is clear Michael is the latest victim of our cancel culture where all it takes is an accusation to ruin a person’s life. Michael looks forward to clearing his name in court and hopes the court of public opinion will see the truth come out as well.”
Cell phone video has surfaced that shows Irvin speaking to two women in a hotel bar in Phoenix.
The video, which was uploaded to Twitter on Monday, Feb. 6, shows Irvin talking to a group of people – including 2 women – in a hotel bar. It’s difficult to hear what he’s saying, but he does utter profanity.
Both women seemed to be at ease in his presence. They both laughed as he spoke. It’s unclear if this is the incident that led to Irvin being sent home from the Super Bowl by the NFL Network and ESPN.
First full day in PHX with the MICE MEDIA team…
… and we round out an epic day closing down the bar with the new homey, @NFL hall of fame icon, @espn analyst, and @dallascowboys legend MICHAEL IRVIN ?? @michaelirvin88 ?? pic.twitter.com/mw9rVaw7hL
— MI?ESTRO ? (@bryndavis) February 6, 2023