Adam Schefter Could Be Joining ESPN
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Rumors abound! Adam Schefter went missing from the NFL Network sometime about a month ago, and there were rumors that he was holding out for a million dollar contract. Well today, several sources have confirmed to PFT, that ESPN is interested in the NFL reporter....
Several league and industry sources have told us that Adam Schefter, who still is under contract with NFL Network, will join ESPN later this year.Schefter has built up an incredible set of contacts working for the NFL's cable channel, and a move to ESPN would be a huge get for the "Leader". They would then have a gaggle of NFL news breakers, and the only competition left would be Glazer at FOX. Oh and if there's one network that could get Schefter his million bucks, it would be ESPN.
Schefter is still under contract with NFLN, but he has not appeared on the air since early March. Schefter told Neil Best of Newsday on March 23 that he remains under contract with NFL Network until the middle of August.
It remains to be seen whether and to what extent Schefter’s arrival affects the current NFL insider lineup at ESPN. At a minimum, it could make for a spirited-to-the-point-of-awkward in-house rivalry between Schefter, Chris Mortensen, John Clayton, Michael Smith, and the army of beat-writers-turned-bloggers who compete to break news.
UPDATE: We’ve heard it from yet another source. However, ESPN Bill Hofheimer told us via e-mail Wednesday night that he cannot confirm the report.
The bad news for the NFL Network is that, not only will they be losing a stellar reporter, but Schefter will not be on Draft coverage this year. That guy was a rock star in predicting picks and trades last year.
Sources: Schefter To ESPN (Pro Football Talk)
4 Comments:
Mortensen's a joke -- no doubt -- but how much of Schefter's success is owed to the fact that he essentially works for the NFL? I mean, is it that unreasonable to think that the NFL would want to grant NFLN legitimacy by feeding the on-air talent scoops so that they're the network breaking the news? Food for thought.
very possible, and as for ESPN I wouldn't be shocked if they let go at least 1 or 2 familiar analysts or reporters this year, I wonder who though...
NFLN should keep him for whatever cost. He has more knowledge and contacts than any other. Pay Him>
Mortensen better learn what's in an Italian BMT, quick.