Aikman and Buck Reportedly Argued Over ESPN Contracts

Troy Aikman and Joe Buck argued before an ESPN Monday Night Football broadcast at SoFi Stadium on October 12, according to a report based on accounts from people with direct knowledge of the exchange. The disagreement reportedly involved Buck’s new contract and Aikman’s stalled negotiations with ESPN, as well as longstanding tensions over turnover among production staff. According to those accounts, Buck asked Aikman whether he was not going to talk to him, then said, “I’m not the reason you don’t have a contract.” Aikman replied, “I just never thought you’d do it to me.” Buck also attributed the departure of producers and directors to Aikman’s treatment of staff, saying they had been removed because Aikman was screaming at them. The reported exchange has not been independently confirmed by the people involved. The accounts trace to the same reporting, and ESPN, Aikman and Buck were not quoted confirming the contract details or the argument. Buck had signed a new ESPN deal without Aikman’s knowledge, according to the reporting. Aikman remained unsigned, and his side reportedly offered to return for a raise similar to Buck’s. ESPN declined that offer. Aikman and Buck joined...