Sean Salisbury says parting with ESPN was mutual
The NFL studio analyst, who had been with the network for 12 years, says, 'I've been liberated. I knew this was coming, but I couldn't be happier.'
By Larry Stewart, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
February 27, 2008
Of his departure from ESPN, which was announced Tuesday, Sean Salisbury said he felt unappreciated and underpaid and he knew that by asking for a seven-figure contract, the result would be a "mutual parting."
Salisbury, who had been an ESPN NFL studio analyst for 12 years, had already packed up and left and was in Dallas, where he has a second home, when reached on his cellphone Tuesday night.
"I'm a free agent," he said. "I've been liberated. I knew this was coming, but I couldn't be happier.
"I'd grown tired of being punished for not being an NFL superstar. Analysts who don't work as hard as me, don't prepare as hard as me, and don't have my resume were making more than me just because of their ability to throw or catch a football.
"Don't get me wrong, I appreciated the opportunity ESPN gave me, but they had capped my ceiling. There was only so far I could go there.
"I'd done nothing wrong, and if you hear otherwise, it's not true. I did everything that was asked of me.
"I have created a brand and it's time to expand into other opportunities in TV, radio, Internet, publishing, movies and public speaking, among others. My resume speaks for itself."
ESPN issued a statement saying, "Sean Salisbury has made many contributions to our efforts for the past 12 years. We thank him and wish him all the best."
When an ESPN spokesman was told of Salisbury's comments, the spokesman said, "We'll stick with our statement."
Salisbury, outspoken and opinionated on the air, said he already has some offers, including one from FSN. Another possibility, he said, was a non-sports role with CBS.