Does Sean Salisbury Have a Point?

Will More Broadcasters Follow Suit?

Sean Salisbury left the ESPN network because he could not command a seven-figure income. Salisbury was an excellent analyst for the network, and was always someone who was prepared and knowledgeable, no matter what the story was. He was a key member of any panel that was on the air to discuss the NFL. Salisbury left ESPN after 12 years, and in a statement said "I've 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"

Those are pretty strong statements towards some of Salisbury's co-analysts at the ESPN network. Like most other sports, ESPN has analysts who are a mix of both commentators by trade, or ex players. ESPN still has guys like John Clayton and Len Pasquarelli who are outstanding NFL analysts. At the same time, you are seeing more and more ex NFL stars who are there to give commentary on the game. Guys like Steve Young, Darren Woodson, and Emmit Smith are thrust in front of the cameras to give their insight and expert analysis on the happenings in the league. I do agree that having some insight from those who have been there before is helpful and gives some information from a players' prospective, I disagree with paying them more money just because they played the game.

In today's sports news shows, more and more times than not, you are seeing the ex players who are stepping in front of the microphone to take over for a broadcaster. It may be that in fact, viewers are looking for that familiar face to tell you what's going on with their favorite team or sport, but to pay them more just because they played the game is something I wouldn't take lightly to.