Second Harassment Lawsuit Hits NFL Network

Pro Football Hall of Fame receiver Michael Irvin had to be repeatedly reminded by a makeup artist to “not touch” her, one of the many allegations made in the latest sexual harassment lawsuit filed over alleged misconduct at NFL Network, according to USAToday.

Erin McParland claims she was “subjected to ongoing and continuing sexual harassment by current and former on-air talent and other employees” during her roughly two years at the network that started in 2014, according to the lawsuit obtained by USA TODAY Sports. The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on Tuesday, also named former All-Pro defensive back Eric Davis, who allegedly would “rub his genitals” against McParland.

Erin McParland

Davis was among several named in a lawsuit filed against NFL Enterprises — the Southern California outpost of the league that runs NFL Network — by former makeup artist Jami Cantor. Cantor alleged she was subjected to inappropriate touching, lewd text messages and other harassment during her decade at the network.

Marshall Faulk, Ike Taylor and Heath Evans were immediately suspended after the lawsuit was amended in December. Davis and Donovan McNabb were fired by their then-current employer, ESPN, after the allegations came to light.

According to a person with knowledge of the situation, Irvin was suspended by NFL Network in late 2016 for about a month during the network's investigation, and he was back on the air at the end of 2016. The person spoke to USA TODAY Sports on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the situation.

Irvin remains with NFL Network, where he serves as an analyst for NFL GameDay Morning and is part of the Thursday Night Football pregame crew.

"Ms. McParland brought forth allegations of inappropriate workplace conduct in late 2016," NFL Network said in a statement to USA TODAY Sports. "NFL Network investigated the allegations and took swift, appropriate remedial action, including immediately severing our relationship with Mr. Davis. The NFL is committed to providing a safe work environment for all of our employees."