‘It’s Not Joe Buck’s Job To Get Troy Aikman a Contract’ — Analyst Slams Cowboys Legend for Being ‘Mad’ Over ESPN Contract Dispute
Finding out through media reports that your longtime NFL broadcast partner has landed a massive new deal while your own future at the network remains up in the air raises obvious concerns. This is reportedly where Troy Aikman finds himself at ESPN, and the situation has put his relationship with Joe Buck under an uncomfortable spotlight.
It's not Joe Buck's responsibility to secure a contract for fellow broadcaster Troy Aikman, an analyst has argued. This criticism comes after reports emerged that Aikman felt blindsided by his partner's new deal with ESPN, while his own future with the network remained uncertain. Dan Dakich, the analyst in question, defended Buck in the midst of the controversy.
Dakich argued that Buck had no obligation to negotiate on Aikman's behalf, pointing out that "Joe Buck signed a deal. If Troy Aikman’s going to be mad at anybody, Troy Aikman needs to be mad at ESPN. It’s not Joe Buck’s job to get Troy Aikman a contract." He further compared the situation to the fallout between Mike Greenberg and Mike Golic, whose long-time ESPN radio show ended in 2017.
Dakich suggested that broadcasters should manage their own careers, stating, "Anyway, it’s nobody’s job to get you your own deal. You want to be mad? Go be mad at ESPN." He also suggested Aikman should be happy for his longtime partner securing a lucrative contract, adding, "You should be happy for your buddy getting $106 million, $108 million, $120 million, whatever it is."
The reported disagreement stems from Aikman reportedly not being informed of Buck's new deal by either Buck or ESPN before it became public, leading to a heated exchange during a Monday Night Football game. ESPN has reportedly considered other options for Aikman's role, with Greg Olsen viewed as the favorite to take over the job. While Aikman's next move remains uncertain, Dakich believes the responsibility for his contract situation rests with ESPN, not Buck.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
