Since Max Kellerman's departure, Stephen A. Smith has been searching for a permanent co-host on "First Take." Now, he has someone specific in mind: Michael Irvin.
Irvin was recently removed from NFL Network's Super Bowl 2023 coverage due to an alleged incident with a woman at a Phoenix hotel. Irvin denies any wrongdoing and has filed a $100 million lawsuit against the Marriott employee and the hotel chain.
Smith expressed his strong desire to have Irvin join him on "First Take" during his podcast. He referred to Irvin as his "brother" and praised his television presence. Smith clarified that the decision isn't solely his, acknowledging factors beyond his control, including decisions by networks like the NFL Network, ESPN, and the NFL itself.
Surveillance footage of the interaction between Irvin and the hotel employee has been released by Irvin's legal team. The video, which has no audio, shows the two shaking hands, Irvin touching her elbow a couple of times, and another handshake before the employee returns to the bar. Irvin then appears to slap himself in the face several times before taking a selfie and heading back to the lobby. While Marriott alleges Irvin made the employee uncomfortable with sexually explicit questions while intoxicated, Irvin maintains the conversation was appropriate.
Irvin has vehemently denied the allegations, drawing parallels to historical injustices against Black men based on accusations by White women. He expressed frustration at the lack of opportunity to defend himself without knowing the specific details of the accusations.
Witnesses have come forward to support Irvin, describing the interaction as "super friendly." Irvin has remained off-air since the incident in February.
