The 2023 NFL Draft hasn’t been easy on Michael Irvin.
The Hall of Famer expressed Thursday that “it’s hard watching” the event from afar after being sidelined from his reporting duties.
Taking to Twitter ahead of the first round, the Dallas Cowboys legend opened up about missing this year’s festivities as he “remains suspended” by NFL Network after being accused of misconduct by a female hotel employee during February’s Super Bowl LVII in Arizona.
“This is different. It’s hard watching the red carpet of the @NFL draft. Even more so than the #Super#Bowl!! The Super Bowl is a congratulatory moment at the end of a long season. The draft is the Genesis of a young man’s dream, his career and his journey. My heart,” Irvin wrote alongside a trio of heartbreak emojis.
“These young dudes are clean on that carpet. NOTHING like this moment!! You get to change your life and the trajectory of your whole family. God speed to all these young men.”
Irvin was a prominent feature at past NFL Drafts, including last year’s in Las Vegas.
The Cowboys great, 57, was removed from his media responsibilities — from both ESPN and NFL Network — two months prior in light of the allegations.
Irvin has vehemently denied the accusations lobbied against him and maintained his innocence.
In the wake of the accusations, Irvin filed a $100 million lawsuit against Marriott, claiming he’s being “railroaded.”
Last month, Irvin released footage of the encounter with his accuser, which lasts for under two minutes.
He alleges he conversed with the employee about his sports media career and shook her hand.
Irvin can also be seen touching the employee’s arm at another point in the clip before going their separate ways.
Marriott filed a motion in relation to the suit, claiming Irvin displayed aggressive behavior toward the hotel employee.
Irvin’s attorney has denied the allegations.
