Troy Aikman declines to deny reports of dispute with Joe Buck over contract

Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback and ESPN Monday Night Football analyst Troy Aikman declined to refute reports of tension with broadcast partner Joe Buck, acknowledging the situation on a Dallas radio show on Thursday. The two analysts, who have worked together for more than two decades, are scheduled to broadcast Super Bowl LXI on Feb. 14, the first Super Bowl aired on ESPN, but their professional relationship appears strained following Buck's recent contract renewal.

Aikman appeared on Sportsradio 96.7 in Dallas to address a report from Front Office Sports that he and Buck had an argument before the Monday night game between the Buffalo Bills and Los Angeles Rams. When asked specifically if the report was true, Aikman did not deny it. Instead, he stated that there is probably a time and place for the matter to be discussed, suggesting that it is not difficult to figure out what happened given the current circumstances.

The source of the tension appears to be the disparity in their contract situations. Buck has signed a new contract to remain with Disney/ABC/ESPN as the play-by-play announcer for Monday Night Football, while Aikman has no deal in place beyond the current season. Front Office Sports reported that Buck "broke the ice" regarding ongoing tensions about this season, which led to the argument. Although the tension cooled enough for the two to broadcast the game together, the future of their partnership remains uncertain.

Aikman indicated he will continue broadcasting through the current season and will become a free agent at the year's end to assess his options. He expressed anticipation for the remainder of the year and the Super Bowl while considering where his next professional stop might be.

It is unknown what specifically caused the drama between the two men. Possibilities include a broken gentleman's agreement to form a united front in contract talks, or Aikman's reaction to his partner securing a new deal. This incident has placed both men in the crosshairs of critics who will now watch Monday Night Football broadcasts for further signs of tension. Neither ESPN nor Buck has provided comment on the issue; ESPN declined to respond.

The situation adds to a difficult period for former Dallas Cowboys quarterbacks in broadcasting. Tony Romo, another former Cowboys quarterback, was placed on leave by CBS Sports following his arrest in Wisconsin and plea of no contest to Operating While Intoxicated charges. Romo has stated through various statements that he is seeking help for his apparent use of alcohol and painkillers. Consequently, there could be two former Dallas Cowboys quarterbacks on the analyst free agent market next year.