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Just weeks after ESPN made the decision to remove Eric Wynalda from its broadcast team for MLS and U.S. national team games, the network has completely severed ties with the controversial analyst.
Sources have told SBI that ESPN and Wynalda have parted ways after weeks of negotiations to find a new role for Wynalda. The original plan was to have Wynalda work on Champions League broadcasts but the network and Wynalda could not agree on his role. It is believed that ESPN bought out the remaining year on Wynalda’s contract.
Wynalda sparked controversy for several remarks he made, both on and off the air. He was reprimanded by ESPN for comments he made about Jim Rome a year ago and last fall SBI reported on an unfortunate remarks Wynalda made during an MLS playoff game. Wynalda only made things worse for himself when he followed up that comment with his own explanation to SBI of what happened that night. An explanation several sources confirmed was completely fabricated by Wynalda.
Wynalda had his share of fans who loved his brash and outspoken style, but he also had several detractors who hated his over the top approach.
So what next for Wynalda? Don’t be surprised to see him wind up in San Jose as part of the Earthquakes broadcast team, assuming he doesn’t just take some time off to spend his buyout money.
What do you think of this development? Are you sad to see Wynalda leave ESPN? Are you happy he won’t be ruining Champions League matches? Are you eager to see him back on air soon? Share your thoughts below.