NFL commentator Michael Irvin has reportedly filed a lawsuit against the woman who complained about his behavior during an encounter at a hotel in Arizona.
TMZ Sports reports the Dallas Cowboys legend, 45, is seeking over $100million in damages with his attorney claiming the former wide receiver is “the latest victim of our cancel culture.”
Irving has been pulled from ESPN’s and NFL Network’s Super Bowl coverage in the aftermath of the alleged incident.
As first reports came out, the nature of the woman’s allegations was unclear and local police reportedly had no knowledge of any wrongdoing on the broadcaster’s part.
TMZ Sports claims Irvin is now suing the hotel where he was staying ahead of Super Bowl LVII and its employee who made the complaint.
The news outlet reportedly obtained the lawsuit filed by the NFL Hall-of-Famer that reads: “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.”
According to the lawsuit, witnesses corroborated Irving’s initial claims that he had a friendly conversation with the hotel employee before they shook hands and he went to his room alone.
Irvin and his team reportedly reached out to the hotel chain to “rectify any misunderstanding” once they became aware of the allegations.
However, they claim the Renaissance refused to listen — and the lawsuit asserts the hotel manager reported the alleged incident to the NFL “with the intention of damaging that relationship and canceling [Irvin].”
Irvin’s attorney, Levi McCathern, told TMZ his client is suing because of the damage to his reputation as well as the financial loss caused by the canceled TV appearances.
“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,” McCathern said.
“Michael looks forward to clearing his name in court and hopes the Court of public opinion will see the truth come out as well.”
