USA Update

ESPN are set to scrap overlapping Monday Night Football double headers, per reports.

Games have frustratingly taken place simultaneously since the current rights deal kicked in four years ago.

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Big changes are set to reach MNF[/caption]

This has led to the viewership being split, negatively affecting ratings.

Earlier this week, ESPN reached a deal to acquire NFL Network.

As part of the deal, the broadcaster is set to inherit games that were set to be shown on NFL Network per the last media deal.

The NFL will create three additional slots for games, which will allow the broadcaster to get creative with its scheduling, likely starting in 2026.

ESPN president Jimmy Pitaro told The Athletic: “We’re getting out of this side-by-side business and moving those three games over.

“So you’re going from 22 clean windows to now 28 clean windows for NFL games across ESPN networks.”

The deal for ESPN to purchase NFL Network will see the NFL receive 10 per cent equity in the network.

Part of the landmark deal will see ESPN also receive the rights to the NFL’s fantasy football product.

ESPN’s game will now be the official fantasy product of the NFL.

Pitaro, 56, was delighted with the news when it was announced by ESPN on Tuesday.

He said in a statement, “By combining these NFL media assets with ESPN’s reach and innovation, we’re creating a premier destination for football fans.

“Together, ESPN and the NFL are redefining how fans engage with the game — anytime, anywhere.

“This deal helps fuel ESPN’s digital future, laying the foundation for an even more robust offering as we prepare to launch our new direct-to-consumer service.”

ESPN now have the rights to the popular RedZone product.

Although the NFL will continue to produce the channel.

Walt Disney CEO Robert A. Iger said, “Today’s announcement paves the way for the world’s leading sports media brand and America’s most popular sport to deliver an even more compelling experience for NFL fans, in a way that only ESPN and Disney can.

“Commissioner Goodell and the NFL have built outstanding media assets, and these transactions will add to consumer choice, provide viewers with even greater convenience and quality, and expand the breadth and value proposition of Disney’s streaming ecosystem.”

Roger Goodell, 66, added, “Since its launch in 2003, NFL Network has provided millions of fans unprecedented access to the sport they love.

“Whether it was debuting Thursday Night Football, televising the Combine, or telling incredible football stories through original shows and breaking news, NFL Network has delivered.

“The Network’s sale to ESPN will build on this remarkable legacy, providing more NFL football for more fans in new and innovative ways.”

AIDAN HUTCHINSON has been so good in practise that a new rule has been introduced by Detroit Lions coaching staff.

‘The Hutch’ rule is when Hutchinson beats his man and likely has a sack on a play but they do not blow the whistle.

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Aidan Hutchinson has been so good in practise that a new rule has been introduced by Detroit Lions coaching staff[/caption]

Instead, the rep continues so the offense can get their work in during team periods.

“If you can’t block Hutch and he’s going to blow every practice up, then that’s not good either,” head coach Dan Campbell said.

Elsewhere, the NFL has handed out a massive 12-game suspension for the 2025 season.

The ban affects a player who is currently a free agent and hasn’t played a game since the 2023 season.

Tracy Walker III, 30, played safety for the Detroit Lions from 2018 to 2023.

He had a brief spell on the San Francisco 49ers practice squad at the start of the 2024 season.

The NFL announced that he will be banned for 12 games in 2025 if he finds another team.

A reason for the suspension was not given and is currently unclear.

Walker would be eligible to play in preseason if he does land another contract.

But his first appearance in the 2025 regular-season would not be until the end of November.

Walker III was selected in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft. He played 79 career games, making 398 tackles.

The safety had four sacks and three interceptions as well as two forced fumbles. He earned $22.5 million in salary during his career.

The safety signed a three-year contract in 2022 worth $25 million after becoming a starter.

But he never saw a lot of that money as he suffered an Achilles injury in Week 3 which ended his season.

He was limited in 2023 to a backup role and special teams play.

And Walker was released by the team in February 2024.

The safety is a second cousin of another Detroit Lions player Darius Slay.

They played against each other during the 2021 season when Slay was on the Philadelphia Eagles.

“Me and Cuzo going to put on for the city always,” Walker said in a post on Instagram.

He and Slay swapped jerseys and posed for a photo on the field. Slay won the Super Bowl with the Eagles last season.

The 34-year-old is now on the Pittsburgh Steelers after signing a $10m deal in the off-season.

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