Sean Salisbury Leaves ESPN

After 12 years with ESPN, Sean Salisbury will no longer be a NFL analyst for the network after deciding it was time to move on to other projects.

According to Ray Frager of the Baltimore Sun, Salisbury will be replaced by former NFL wide receiver Cris Carter who has been an important part of HBO's Inside the NFL.

ESPN released this statement regarding Salisbury's departure: "Sean Salisbury has made many contributions to our efforts for the past 12 years. We thank him and wish him all the best."

Salisbury, a former quarterback in the NFL, played for the Seattle Seahawks, Indianapolis Colts, Minnesota Vikings, and San Diego Chargers. After releasing the following statement, it is evident he will leave ESPN seeking new and different endeavors in the sports media industry.

"I have created a brand and it's time to expand into other opportunities in TV, radio, Internet, publishing, movies and public speaking, among others."

The situation poses the question of whether or not former players should be entitled to hefty salaries based upon their performance in their respective sport. While networks will pay top dollar to attract big names and superstars, does that mean athletes who are already rich from their careers on the playing field deserve to once again receive a big payday?

In Salisbury's case, he was a member of the NFL for eight years, but as a backup his entire career, he saw limited playing time causing many to question his insight and opinions as a broadcaster because of his minimal role as a quarterback. Even though he did give solid information during his time with ESPN on both Sportscenter and NFL Live, his colleagues and audience sometimes frequently doubted and mocked his analysis.

Carter obviously had the better on-field career when compared to Salisbury, racking up eight Pro Bowl selections , three All Pro selections, and getting his jersey number (80) by the Minnesota Vikings. However, does that necessarily mean that Carter is the better football mind because of his achievements on the gridiron? Is he a better judge of football talent or a stronger evaluator because he has 130 career touchdown receptions? And should he receive an extra figure on his salary since he was a premier wideout for 16 seasons?

It would seem unfair for Carter to arrive at ESPN and begin cashing checks larger than Salisbury who had over a decade of time with the worldwide leader in sports. Even if it does seem unfair, it is hardly unrealisitc, and most likely will occur once Carter's face fills the void left by Salisbury on national television.