IRVIN Out

(From The USA Today -- By Michael Hiestand)

MICHAEL IRVIN, an ESPN NFL studio analyst since 2003, won't return next season to ESPN.

Irvin, the ex-Dallas Cowboy recently elected to THE PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME, was briefly suspended by ESPN after a misdemeanor arrest for possession of drug paraphernalia in Plano, Texas, in November 2005.

He was working at ESPN on a one-year deal last season and drew criticism for suggesting on ESPN RADIO that Dallas quarterback TONY ROMO's speed might have resulted by a maternal ancestor mating with a slave.

Logical additions to ESPN NFL studio shows include recently retired coach BILL PARCELLS, who has already worked at ESPN, and EMMITT SMITH, who had a recent tryout at ESPN and last season worked on THE NFL NETWORK.

Said ESPN's MIKE SOLTYS on Sunday, "We thank Michael for his contributions and wish him well."

Sunday, Irvin said ESPN "was great for me and I want to thank all of them for the opportunity."

Irvin was in the film THE LONGEST YARD and is interested in doing more acting -- "When you work for ESPN, there are certain things you can't do. I'd still love to talk football on TV, but also want to have leeway."