Marriott files motion to dismiss Michael Irvin lawsuit, claims he made 'harrassing' comments

Marriott has filed a motion to dismiss former NFL star Michael Irvin’s $100 million lawsuit against the company for defamation. Irvin filed his lawsuit against the company after he was removed from a Phoenix Marriott hotel as a result of an alleged incident that took place in the hotel’s lobby. Irvin was accused of inappropriate behavior and comments that he made while meeting a woman in the lobby — leading to his removal from the hotel.

Irvin maintains that he remembered shaking the woman’s hand and meeting her, but that he did nothing that was inappropriate or that warranted the hotel’s response. As a result of the incident, Irvin was pulled off of Super Bowl coverage for NFL Network — prompting him to file a lawsuit against the hotel.

Marriott files to dismiss Michael Irvin lawsuit

“Marriott filed to dismiss Michael Irvin’s $100 mil defamation, tortious interference suit, noting it leases its brand to but does not own the Phoenix hotel where Irvin allegedly made ‘harassing and inappropriate’ comments to a hotel worker Super Bowl week,” explained The Athletic‘s Daniel Kaplan.

The response from Marriott is the latest shot fired by both parties in the legal proceedings, following on the heels of Irvin’s lawyers having a judge order that the hotel must turn over the surveillance footage of the meeting and provide the name of Irvin’s accuser.

Marriott has now moved to completely dismiss the case on the grounds that Irvin did make inappropriate comments towards the hotel employee, as well as the fact that the hotel is not owned by the company. Marriott stated that they allow the hotel to use their branding and operate under the company’s name, but that they are not owners of the hotel.

Although it’s unclear exactly where the ongoing lawsuit will go from here, it does appear clear that neither side is looking to come to any form of quick settlement in court. As the legal proceedings continue, it will likely result in new information coming out about the alleged incident — as well as NFL Network’s decision process to remove Irvin from coverage surrounding the Super Bowl.