TMZ: Marshawn Lynch's F-Bomb on ESPN's 'ManningCast' Received 2 Complaints to FCC
Dec 5, 2021
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 21: Former Buffalo Bills player Marshawn Lynch on the field before the against the Indianapolis Colts at Highmark Stadium on November 21, 2021 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images)
The Federal Communications Commission received two complaints about Marshawn Lynch's appearance on ESPN2's ManningCast with Peyton and Eli Manning in October, according to TMZ, after the former NFL running back used the words s--t and f--k on the broadcast.
You can see one of the instances of Lynch swearing during the broadcast below:
"I had children in the room at the time, and I am very upset that ESPN allowed Marshawn Lynch to repeatedly curse on live TV," one complaint reportedly read. "I have an expectation when I turn on ESPN that I will not have to remove children from the room."
"The ESPN2 broadcast on Monday night was laced with vulgar words from Marshawn Lynch," the second complaint added. "Peyton Manning apologized for it, but there is no place on this type of show at this hour for this language."
It wasn't the only time viewers tattled on ManningCast. According to TMZ, three viewers complained to the FCC when Eli Manning flashed a double bird in September. Who knew the ManningCast was so rock 'n' roll?
Peyton Manning Apologizes After Marshawn Lynch Drops F-Bomb on MNF Telecast
Oct 26, 2021
CANTON, OH - AUGUST 08: Inductee Peyton Manning speaks during the Pro Football HOF Class of 2021 enshrinement ceremony on August 8, 2021 at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, in Canton, OH. (Photo by MSA/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ESPN might have an open tab with the Federal Communications Commission at this point.
On the ManningCast edition of Monday Night Football, former Seattle Seahawks star Marshawn Lynch asked "What the f--k?" during an odd sequence to close out the first quarter between the Seahawks and New Orleans Saints.
That prompted an apology from Peyton Manning:
Want to thank Marshawn Lynch. Not as wild about the language. We want to apologize about for some of the language. It's not what we're trying to do on this show. I had to remind Eli that this show is live, so Eli's learned his lesson. ... Anyway, we apologize for that.
Peyton and Eli Manning each have two Super Bowl rings, and that matches the number of times they've had to express remorse for something that happened on the ManningCast. Eli flipped the double bird during the Dallas Cowboys' 41-21 win over the Philadelphia Eagles on Sept. 27.
Moving forward, it might be a good idea to put the children to bed before you flip on the alternate feed for Monday Night Football.
Marshawn Lynch Says He Wouldn't Return to NFL If Offered Contract By Buccaneers
Oct 26, 2021
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - JANUARY 12: Marshawn Lynch #24 of the Seattle Seahawks walks to the huddle during the NFC Divisional Playoff game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on January 12, 2020 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
The opportunity to chase a Super Bowl ring with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers wouldn't be all that appealing to Marshawn Lynch.
Addressing the topic on Monday's Manningcast, the five-time Pro Bowler said he'd turn down a contract offer from the reigning NFL champions. He added he's content in retirement.
"It would probably work out for me. I wouldn't probably wanna run too much."
Lynch hasn't stepped onto the field since the 2019 season, when he reunited with the Seattle Seahawks for their regular-season finale and the playoffs. It's doubtful he would add much to the Bucs offense at this stage of his career if he were to head south to the Gulf Coast.
Tampa Bay doesn't need much help anyway. The team is averaging 423.4 yards per game, second-most in the NFL.
Tom Brady has thrown for 2,275 yards and 21 touchdowns through seven games. On the ground, the pair of Leonard Fournette and Ronald Jones II (594 yards, five touchdowns) are providing ample support for the Buccaneers' dynamic aerial attack.
As Lynch told Peyton and Eli Manning, though, signing with the franchise would be a great way for him to collect a paycheck for minimal work.
Marshawn Lynch to Serve as NFLPA Chief Brand Ambassador; Will Help Player Development
Oct 5, 2021
FILE - Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch walks off the field after NFL football practice in Renton, Wash., in this Friday, Dec. 27, 2019, file photo. During Marshawn Lynch’s 12 NFL seasons he earned a reputation for his fearless style on the field, while remaining one of the league’s most reclusive figures off the field. Now the retired running back is lending his voice to try to help members of Black and Hispanic communities make more informed decisions about receiving COVID-19 vaccines. Lynch released a 30-minute interview with Dr. Anthony Fauci on his YouTube channel Friday, April 16, 2021, becoming the latest prominent athlete to sit down with him to discuss the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines as the U.S. continues to combat the pandemic. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File)
Former NFL running back Marshawn Lynch will serve as the first-ever chief brand ambassador for the NFL Players Association, per Mark Maske of the Washington Post.
"In this role, Lynch will support the development of players past, present, and future both on and off the football field," the NFLPA stated.
Lynch spent 12 seasons in the NFL, most notably his seven years with the Seattle Seahawks. He also spent time with the Buffalo Bills and Oakland Raiders, last appearing in a game in 2019.
During that time, the 2007 first-round pick earned five Pro Bowl selections, one Super Bowl title and was named to the 2010's All-Decade team.
The 35-year-old will now work to help out the next generation of athletes. He has already served as a mentor for some younger players, including Pittsburgh Steelers rookie Najee Harris.
Harris discussed Lynch's advice with Bleacher Report's Scott Polacek in September:
Marshawn always tells me 'if you can't buy it twice, then don't buy it at all. He always tells me how important it is to save your money and don't lose focus on the most important thing and that's what you do on the field because that's what brings you a lot of marketing deals. So never lose focus on where the real money is coming from, that's what you do on the field.
Lynch has also been seen working out with high school football players during the 2021 season.
As NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith explained, the running back will help current players as a "mentor who has been in their shoes."
Marshawn Lynch Joins Professional Fighters League as Investor, Brand Ambassador
Apr 29, 2021
Seattle Seahawks' Marshawn Lynch warms up before an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2020, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Michael Perez)
Former NFL running back Marshawn Lynch announced Thursday he's agreed to become an investor in the Professional Fighters League, an MMA organization, and he'll also serve as a brand ambassador.
ESPN's Brett Okamoto reported Lynch joins comedian Kevin Hart and rapper Wiz Khalifa among the PFL's celebrity partners.
"I'm really on that owner hype right now, ya feel me," Lynch said. "Pro teams, leagues, companies and brands, I'm wit it. Ownership allows you to be closer to the action, to keep learning and making a difference. At the end of the day, the PFL opportunity is another blessing, that's all I can really say. PFL is the future of MMA, and it's always a win-win when you can work with like-minded folks."
The PFL, which launched in 2018, uses a yearly format with a regular season and playoffs. The champion in each weight division is awarded a bonus.
The promotion's 2020 season was canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic, but it returned to action last Friday night with its first event of the 2021 campaign. There's another card set for Thursday night at Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Starting with Thursday's card, Okamoto noted the PFL will begin handing out the "BeastMode Fighter of the Night" as part of the partnership with Lynch, whose nickname in the NFL was Beast Mode.
A welterweight clash between Rory MacDonald and Curtis Millender will headline the second PFL event of 2021, which will air on ESPN beginning at 9 p.m. ET.
The top four fighters in each division at the end of the regular season will qualify for the playoffs.
Lynch played 12 seasons as a member of the Buffalo Bills, Seattle Seahawks and Oakland Raiders, most recently taking the field in 2019. His career resume includes a Super Bowl title with the Hawks, five Pro Bowl appearances and a First Team All-Pro selection in 2012.
In 2015, the star running back utilizedMMA trainingwhile recovering from a hernia surgery.
Former Raiders RB Marshawn Lynch Joins USL's Oakland Roots Ownership Group
Apr 16, 2021
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 05: Marshawn Lynch attends the Los Angeles Season 3 premiere of the HBO drama series "Westworld" at TCL Chinese Theatre on March 05, 2020 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic for HBO)
Former Pro Bowl running back Marshawn Lynch is moving into the world of soccer as a team owner for the Oakland Roots of the USL Championship.
"Growing up in The Town, we always could count on the pro teams in this area, but with most of those ones that I grew up with gone, I knew the minute I heard about the opportunity to join Oakland Roots, it wasn't just something I wanted to do, it was something I had to do," Lynch said in a statement.
The Roots were founded in 2018 and began play the following year in the National Premier Soccer League as part of the Founders Cup competition.
After spending two seasons in the National Independent Soccer Association, the Roots announced in September they would be moving up to the USL.
Lynch, who was born in Oakland and continues to make his home in the city, is best known for his 12-year NFL career from 2007-19.
He spent time with the Buffalo Bills, Seattle Seahawks and Oakland Raiders. The man known as "Beast Mode" was named to five Pro Bowls and helped the Seahawks reach back-to-back Super Bowls in 2013 and 2014, winning once in 2013.
The USL Championship season will begin on April 24. Oakland will open its season on the road against the Phoenix Rising on May 8.
Marshawn Lynch Says He Talked to Tom Brady, Buccaneers About Returning to NFL in 2020
Apr 16, 2021
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 05: Marshawn Lynch #24 of the Seattle Seahawks looks on against the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 05, 2020 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
Marshawn Lynch almost made a second NFL comeback attempt last season and it could've ended with him earning another championship ring.
The former Oakland Raiders and Seattle Seahawks running back told ESPN (h/t Pro Football Talk) he heard from the reigning Super Bowl champions about joining them last year, but Lynch no longer has plans to retake the field.
“I was specifically speaking to Tom Brady and the Bucs," Lynch said to ESPN's Sports Nation. "That’s who I was talking to."
Lynch hasn't played in the NFL since 2019 with the Seahawks but wasn't exactly opposed to joining the Bucs last year. In December, he told late-night host Conan O'Brien he'd consider coming out of retirement again but only for a Super Bowl contender.
As tough as it is to say no to Tom Brady, Lynch found a way.
That's not to say the tailback is done playing football forever, but he won't be back anytime soon. Lynch told ESPN he's nowhere close to game shape and doesn't have an interest in heading to Tampa either.
But you never know where the Cal product could turn up next.
Lynch attempted to suit up for the Beasts in the season opener of Fan Controlled Football—he's an investor in the team—but was told it was against the rules.
At 34 years old, the Oakland native is still getting calls to run back onto the field.
Lynch has unretired once before. It's impossible to say it won't happen again.
Warren Moon: Russell Wilson's Relationship with Seahawks Same as Lynch, Sherman
Apr 6, 2021
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson begins to warm-up before an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Former Seattle Seahawks quarterback, and Pro Football Hall of Fame member, Warren Moon believes the franchise and current QB are heading for an inevitable breakup.
During an appearance on the Huddle & Flow podcast with Jim Trotter and Steve Wyche, Moon said Wilson is on a similar path as former Seahawks stars Richard Sherman and Marshawn Lynch took with the club—the former having been released by Seattle after rupturing his Achilles tendon nine games into the 2017 season.
“I think it’s kind of headed, unfortunately, in the same direction [as Lynch and Sherman]. I think right now it’s almost like a marriage that’s started to just have squabbles, and they’re squabbling about certain little issues, whether it’s pass protection, whether it’s talent. There’s all these little squabbles going on right now. And I think because of Russell’s contract situation, there’s not a whole lot the Seahawks can do as far as moving him somewhere else, even if they wanted to.
“So I think he’s definitely there this year unless they just want to take a hit and not become a really good football team for a year or so. But I think that the marriage is not going to end very well going down the road. I think this squabble is going to turn into more of a separation and then a divorce at some point. And that usually happens with most players anyway. You just don’t like it to happen because of the two sides not getting along.”
Wilson has three years left on his deal and is scheduled to carry a cap hit of $32 million in 2021, $37 million in 2022 and $40 million in 2023. The 32-year-old also holds an opt-out clause after next season and could take matters into his own hands if those squabbles become unresolvable.
FCF 2021 Playoff Rosters, Schedule, Live Stream, Format and Odds
Kristopher Knox
Mar 12, 2021
Cleveland Browns receiver Josh Gordon warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Cleveland. The Browns and the Steelers tied at 21-21. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Fan Controlled Football set out to be a different sort of spring football league. Its focus has been on faster, action-filled games and fan involvement. This has helped Fan Controlled Football (FCF) separate itself from recent spring leagues such as the AAF and the XFL.
Fans control the rosters and the play-calling in the FCF, which, as Pro Football Hall of Famer and FCF CSO Joe Montana recently explained, truly makes for a unique experience.
"I believe that the one-hour games back-to-back with the fans having the opportunity to participate I think was the big catch for me," Montana told Fox News (h/t Dan Canova of Fox Business). "The fans are always talking about, 'They should have done that' or 'they should have done this.' Well, guess what? You can't say that anymore."
The FCF hasn't just gotten by on its novel approach. It has thrived, with sports stars and celebrities alike such as Dalvin Cook, Barbara Dunkelman and Rachel Lindsay joining up as team owners along the way. The FCF also attracted 2013 NFL receiving-yards leader Josh Gordon, who made his playing debut last weekend.
Gordon punctuated his FCF debut with a Hail Mary touchdown reception that gave the Zappers their second win of the season:
— Fan Controlled Sports (@fancontrolled) March 7, 2021
The Zappers knocked off the previously unbeaten Beasts to finish the regular season 2-2. This is another way in which the FCF differs from recent spring-football start-ups like the AAF. The FCF is on the verge of completing its inaugural campaign, with the playoffs set to kick off this weekend.
All four of the FCF's teams—the Zappers, Beasts, Wild Aces and Glacier Boyz—will be eligible for the single-elimination postseason tournament. The Beasts took the regular-season championship with a 3-1 record, while no team finished the regular season winless.
While it's too late to get in on the roster-building fun for Year 1 (more on that in a bit), it's not too late to experience the excitement of the FCF's unique brand of football. Here's everything you need to know about the first-ever FCF playoff weekend.
2021 Fan Controlled Football Playoff Weekend Schedule and Money Lines
Where: Infinite Energy Stadium, Duluth, Georgia
When: Saturday, March 13
Beasts vs. Glacier Boyz at 8 p.m. ET
Beasts -125 (bet $125 to win $100)
Glacier Boyz -105
Wild Aces vs. Zappers at 9:30 p.m. ET
Zappers -165
Wild Aces +125
*All Games will be streamed on Twitch and gaming network VENN. Betting info from Bovada and current as of 3/11
Regular-Season Standings
Beasts 3-1
Wild Aces 2-2
Zappers 2-2
Glacier Boyz 1-3
Rules and Format
We've taken a look at the FCF rules and format throughout the regular season, but it's worth revisiting some of the basics for those new to the game. If you're already familiar with how the games work, feel free to jump ahead—though it's worth noting that there will be some postseason changes to the roster format.
The FCF has gone through a four-week regular season. It will be followed by one playoff week and then the FCF championship week. Rosters were redrafted by fans during the week in the regular season, though that is no longer the case.
Rosters are comprised of seven offensive skill players with three-man offensive lines and defenses each counting as single units. Four skill players will be on the field at any given time, along with the offensive lines for seven-on-seven football.
These rosters were redrafted each week with fans getting to add a permanent "franchise player" to their favorite teams each week. However, the Week 4 draft was final, and teams will play the postseason with their current rosters.
While the official FCF website does not have individual defenders or offensive linemen listed among its team rosters, players for the individual squads can be found on the players page.
Play-calling will still be controlled by fans. They can increase their voting power by successfully constructing strong rosters and effective game plans. From the FCF website:
"Call the right play? You get some FanIQ. Draft the top players? Get some more FanIQ. Your FanIQ increases the more you interact with FCF and prove to other fans just how much you know the game. When you hit certain targets of FanIQ—you level up! And as you level up, your voting power increases and all your votes count for more. The more you put in, the more you get out. So get to it!"
There's no kicking in the FCF, and point-after attempts consist of a quarterback and a receiver battling one defensive back in a pass-to-score showdown.
WR: Christian Saulsberry, Alphonso Carter, Troy Evans Jr., Joshua Johnson, Jordus Smith
RB: Quinn Porter
OL: Dam Nation
DEF: Heavy Hitters
Wild Aces
Team Owners: Greg Miller, Barbara Dunkelman, Jack Settleman, Rachel Lindsay and Austin Ekeler
QB: Ed Crouch, Jackson Erdmann
WR: Douglas McNeil III, Raphael Leonard, Richaud Floyd, James Harden
RB: LaDarius Galloway, Daryl Virgies
OL: Block Party
DEF: Shut Down Squad
FCF 2021 Week 3 Rosters, Schedule, Live Stream and Format
Kristopher Knox
Feb 26, 2021
Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook walks on the field before an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins, Thursday, Oct. 24, 2019, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
Fans who have watched Fan Controlled Football (FCF) over its first couple of weeks have noticed some similarities to other recent spring leagues, as well as a whole lot of differences.
Over the past two years, football fans have been treated to new spring leagues that haven't exactly made significant marks on the sporting world. Neither the AAF nor the XFL finished its inaugural season—technically, a reboot in the latter's case—and neither set the stage for a second consecutive campaign.
The one notable benefit of the AAF and the XFL is that they helped put more NFL hopefuls into the spotlight. Offensive lineman Michael Dunn, for example, played in the XFL last year, signed with the Cleveland Browns and wound up starting and winning a playoff game.
Like the AAF and the XFL, the FCF is helping to get unemployed football players on to a playing field. The similarities sort of end there, though. FCF games are more similar to arena-style football, with seven-on-seven action taking place on a 50-yard indoor field. The FCF has also taken a novel approach to rosters, play-calling and its first-season format.
With a four-team league and a four-week regular season, the FCF is in a far better position to crown an inaugural champion. The league's unique approach also seems to be a hit with fans.
According to Sam Carp of SportsPro, Week 1's live Twitch stream drew 700,000 viewers, while the FCF App was the most downloaded app in the Apple store over the weekend. The action continued in Week 2, when the Beasts and Glacier Boyz picked up wins and the FCF saw its first overtime game.
Interest in the FCF remains high, and Minnesota Vikings star running back Dalvin Cook recently decided to get in on the fun. He recently became a co-owner of the Zappers and seems to enjoy the unpredictable nature of fan-controlled play-calling.
"It's different because you never know what the play call is going to be," Cook said, per Ben Goessling of the Star Tribune. "You've got some fans thinking one way, and you've got other fans thinking a certain way. I think that's the most curious part about it: you want to know how fans think. I think that's the most fun part about it."
Whether you've been a fan of the FCF since Day 1 or are looking to get in on the action as Cook has, you will have a chance to enjoy some Fan Controlled Football on Saturday. It's time for Week 3, and here's everything you need to know.
2021 Fan Controlled Football Week 3
When: Saturday, February 7
Where: Infinite Energy Stadium, Duluth, Georgia
Schedule
Zappers vs. Wild Aces at 8 p.m. ET
Beasts vs. Glacier Boyz at 9 p.m. ET
All games will be live-streamed on Twitch and broadcast on gaming network VENN.
Rosters and Play-Calling Format
We took a more in-depth look at the FCF rules and format in our Week 1 preview and again in Week 2, but it's worth revisiting some of the basics for FCF initiates. If you're already familiar with how things work, feel free to skip ahead to this week's rosters.
This will be the third week of a four-week regular season. It will be followed by one playoff week and then the FCF championship week. While many aspects of FCF will remain the same from week to week, the rosters will constantly change.
New rosters are drafted each week—though fans can choose one keeper—with three-man offensive lines and defenses each counting as single units.
As of Thursday, the official FCF website does not have individual defenders or offensive linemen listed among its team rosters. However, players for the individual squads can be found on the players page. As is largely the case in fantasy football, though, the emphasis here is on quarterbacks and skill-position players.
Play-calling will also be controlled by fans. They can increase their voting power by successfully constructing strong rosters and effective game plans. From the FCF website:
"Call the right play? You get some FanIQ. Draft the top players? Get some more FanIQ. Your FanIQ increases the more you interact with FCF and prove to other fans just how much you know the game. When you hit certain targets of FanIQ—you level up! And as you level up, your voting power increases and all your votes count for more. The more you put in, the more you get out. So get to it!"
Fans can also earn special badges to increase their voting power and can gain special power-ups for their favorite teams. From the FCF website:
"In the FCF, what you do OFF the field impacts your team ON the field. Each week you and your fellow fans will have a chance to earn Team Powers for your squad. 5th Down, Power Play, Flip the Field - they could all change the course of a game. And in the Man Up! pre-draft show, a WR, DB, and QB will each earn a 1v1 Power that will go to whichever team drafts them."
Overtime rules are also different, and fans got their first taste in Week 2. As is the case in college football, each team has an offensive possession. There's no kicking in the FCF, either, with point-after attempts coming via a one-on-one receiver-defender showdown.
