Joe Burrow’s name surfaces as ESPN fires critic Bart Scott after anti-Bengals rants

ESPN axed longtime analyst Bart Scott on July 21, 2026, after the former Baltimore Ravens linebacker spent years publicly slamming **Joe Burrow** and the Cincinnati Bengals on air.

What happened to Bart Scott?

Scott was among six ESPN employees let go on July 21, 2026, including Ryan Clark, Karl Ravech, David Lloyd, Cam Newton and Andreas Hale. The cuts came as part of a broader restructuring at the network, ending Scott’s run as a studio voice after he repeatedly targeted Burrow and Bengals linebacker Logan Wilson.

Why did Bart Scott criticize Joe Burrow?

In 2021, Scott used his ESPN platform to mock Burrow’s Week 17 win over the Ravens. Burrow threw for 525 yards that day, including a 52-yard strike to Joe Mixon with under two minutes left. “This dude beat Shane Falco and the replacement players,” Scott said on “Get Up.” “This dude wasn’t playing against the Baltimore Ravens.” He warned the Ravens not to “poke the bear,” arguing Burrow’s Bengals had no real expectations before their late-season surge.

Scott also slammed Logan Wilson in 2023, calling the Bengals linebacker’s tackling “dirty” after a Week 11 win in Baltimore. Bengals coach Zac Taylor fired back, calling the criticism “completely reckless.” Wilson had brought down Ravens tight end Mark Andrews and quarterback Lamar Jackson early in the game.

What’s next for the Bengals and Joe Burrow?

The Bengals enter 2026 with Burrow under center, fresh off another strong season. The team’s front office has kept its core intact, betting on Burrow to lead them back to the playoffs. Scott’s exit removes one vocal critic from the national conversation, but Burrow’s play on the field will dictate the narrative.

Scott played nine seasons for the Ravens from 2002 to 2008. His on-air clashes with Burrow and the Bengals became a recurring storyline, especially after Cincinnati’s rise under Burrow. The network’s decision to cut Scott ends a chapter that often put Burrow in the crosshairs.