More details have come to light about Troy Aikman and Joe Buck's alleged fight before the Buffalo Bills-Los Angeles Rams Monday Night Football game last week after the latter signed a massive contract extension.
New reports (via Awful Announcing) provided new details about the heated moment. According to Dylan Byers of Puck News, Aikman and Buck's relationship had been deteriorating for some time. A source claimed that the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback has become “increasingly cold, difficult, short, making comments” towards his broadcasting partner.
Finally, Buck snapped before the Bills-Rams game. It escalated to a fight, during which Aikman's attitude was that Buck “f**ked me over.”
Why Troy Aikman felt like Joe Buck “f**ked me over” with new contract
© Kirthmon F. Dozier / USA TODAY NETWORK
The reason for Aikman's harsh feelings is that Buck negotiated an early contract renewal with ESPN. According to the report, ESPN proposed that he might be paired with someone else besides Aikman next year.
Buck reportedly liked the idea of being paired with Greg Olsen, who is currently with FOX as one of its analysts. Aikman felt betrayed by Buck and ESPN, and their agency, CAA, reportedly kept him out of the loop as well.
Article Continues BelowWhen Aikman and Buck were brought to ESPN from FOX, the former Cowboys star was brought on first. Now, it's the other way around as Aikman's contract nears its end.
Initial reports suggested that Aikman confronted Buck after learning about his contract extension. Both of their deals were set to expire after the 2026 season, which will culminate with ESPN's first Super Bowl broadcast.
He was later asked about the altercation, and he didn't feel it was the right “time” to spill the beans. Aikman did note, however, that he will become a “free agent” after the season. He appears open to looking elsewhere for employment.