Dan Patrick claims that ESPN was running ‘outward campaign’ after his shocking departure

Previous long years of time ESPN Sportscaster Dan Patrick Says he was the goal of a “smear campaign” of the network after making the difficult decision to move on and start his own bet after almost two decades with the media giant.

Patrick, host of “The Dan Patrick Show”, made the claim during a recent appearance at Barstool Podcast, “Forgive my roof.” He said after his decision to leave the “Sports Center” in 2007 that he thought there were attempts from the network to sand his new start.

“Oh, scary,” Patrick remembered about his decision to go away, “because there was this smear campaign that started. Any radio -attached company that had my show would you be dropped as ESPN -associated company if you decided you would still carry me.”

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Despite the attempt to undermine his success, Patrick said he “understood” the move. He even claimed to be “authorized” of it.

Michael Finley from San Antonio Spurs is celebrating as he is interviewed by ESPNS Dan Patrick after an 83-82 victory against Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 4 in the NBA final at Quicken Loan’s Arena 14 June 2007 in Cleveland. (Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)

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“It was heavy hand, but I understood. It authorized me. Like ‘Holy, S —. I have to matter. They have to tackle me.'”

Patrick, 69, Worked for ESPN From 1989 to 2006 and stayed with ESPN Radio until 2007. Many were shocked at the time by his decision to leave and paved the way for his new show.

He also claimed in the podcast that after informing the network of his decision, the door closed quite quickly.

Patrick, 69, worked for ESPN from 1989 to 2006 and stayed with ESPN Radio until 2007. (Kevin Abele/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

“It was fast. Hey wanted me out,” Patrick said.

Pakinomist Digital reached out to ESPN to comment.