1 week Ago By Kostas Lianos
ESPN face losing star reporter Jeff Darlington, who could become a free agent once his contract runs out in the summer.Darlington, 43, is one of the best NFL and golf journalists thanks to some top coverage since 2016 when he joined the famous broadcasters.This comes after ESPN handed a $100million contract extension to Stephen A.
SmithThe Emmy Award–winning reporter earned the nickname Johnny-on-the-spot during the high-profile arrests of Scottie Scheffler and Tyreek Hill in 2024.According to Front Office Sports, Darlington’s current contract expires late this summer.The likes of CBS, NBC and Fox have been touted as potential destinations.
However, the same source claims ESPN want to keep Darlington for more years to come.This comes after the popular network handed a record $100million contract extension to another star journalist in Stephen A. Smith.
Darlington rose to prominence after breaking the news of golf star Scheffler and NFL favourite Hill’s dramatic arrests.Scheffler, 28, was detained by police outside the PGA Championship last May, just hours before he was due to tee off.The Masters champion was arrested by Louisville Metro Police while trying to drive into the entrance – allegedly around the scene of a deadly bus crash.
The American faced charges of second-degree assault of a police officer, third-degree criminal mischief, reckless driving and disregarding traffic signals from an officer directing traffic.The criminal charges against Scheffler were dropped just 12 days after his arrest. Miami Dolphins star Hill, on the other hand, was forced out of his car and pinned to the ground by cops last September.
A Florida police union claimed that the wide receiver was driving dangerously when he was pulled over and he was detained after refusing to cooperate.Hill was released later that day and played against the Jacksonville Jaguars,.
