Hard feelings are everywhere for Troy Aikman as it appears his time at ESPN is rapidly coming to an end in an explosive new report.
The former Cowboys quarterback turned broadcaster blew up at Joe Buck before a “Monday Night Football” game between the Bills and Rams on Oct. 12 — and a new report from The Athletic says Aikman also got into it with ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro that night.
The report says ESPN has sided with Buck over Aikman in the pending divorce, after the two got into an expletive-filled argument in the booth, with the color commentator taking Buck’s massive extension signing in September as a betrayal while he remained unsigned.
Aikman’s side believes that Buck is a “master of manipulating” to get what he wants; in this case, a nearly 20 percent raise from his 2022 contract when they essentially came over as a package deal. This time Buck landed a six-year, $108 million deal, while ESPN has yet to negotiate with Aikman.
Aikman has taken Buck’s secretiveness in the contract negotiations personally while Buck’s side is frustrated with the former Cowboys quarterback “barking orders for replays he desired,” which made situations untenable for production staff, per the report.
“You are not going to f—ing talk to me?” Buck reportedly said to Aikman as the two argued. “I’m not the reason you don’t have a contract.”
“I just never thought you’d do it to me.” Aikman reportedly replied, also complaining about constant turnover in ESPN’s producer and director roles at “Monday Night Football.”
“They got rid of them because you were screaming at them,” Buck allegedly shot back.
The report continues that Aikman’s representation offered ESPN a return at a similar raise to what Buck received, which the network declined.
ESPN does not want to negotiate with Aikman at this time, since the relationship with Buck has gone sour, and the network is in cost-cutting mode.
The report adds that Aikman wishes he had spoken to Pitaro directly about taking a consultant role he accepted with the Dolphins, with ESPN not thrilled with the level of communication.
The Athletic reports that Greg Olsen is widely considered to be the favorite to replace Aikman.
Aikman and Buck have been together since 2002, beginning at Fox Sports, and it appears likely to end at ESPN after this season, when the Worldwide Leader will broadcast the Super Bowl.
Source: nypost.com
