Ex-NFL Network employee details misconduct by Michael Irvin, Eric Davis

Former NFL Network makeup artist Erin McParland provided a detailed account of alleged sexual assaults and harassment by on-air talent during her time at the company.

McParland explained to Tim Rohan of The MMQB about how Eric Davis allegedly sexually harassed her and that she was warned by Jami Cantor - a fellow makeup artist who leveled allegations against numerous NFL Network employees and the company itself - about the toxic environment a few months after being hired in 2014.

Davis' inappropriate advances allegedly began with sexually suggestive comments made in the makeup room and over Instagram direct messages. Davis allegedly tried to harass McParland during the 2016 BNP Paribas Open but she responded by telling him where she'd be in broad daylight. He then left her alone until the season began, but the unwanted conduct resumed.

McParland explained:

One day, before leaving the makeup room, Davis leaned in for a hug. Since things seemed back on track, I didn’t see the harm. Except the hug lingered on too long for my comfort.

The next time I was in makeup and Davis was leaving, he leaned in for another hug. This time, not only was the hug too long, but it was too close. I could feel him pressing and rubbing his genitals into my leg. I felt frozen, numb.

The third and final incident was full-on predatory, and it came during the filming of Total Access, one of the network’s premier shows. Davis went in for a hug and then, with both hands, grabbed and fondled my buttocks. I instantly pulled away, recoiling. I looked him in the eyes and firmly told him, “Hands off.”

His response to groping me at work was simply to walk out with no comment. This was no misunderstanding. I had just been sexually assaulted in my workplace.

After the alleged assault, McParland consulted with other makeup artists who said Davis also tried to harass them in a similar manner.

McParland went to human resources about the conduct and was told her complaint would be kept confidential and Davis wouldn't be allowed in the office until further notice. After his meeting, however, Davis aggressively approached McParland.

Per McParland:

The head of HR apologized profusely over the mishandled situation. But his shock over Davis’s behavior was astonishing to me. Why had I been put in this situation? And how was HR surprised by his lack of regard after their meeting - when Davis was literally being investigated for his inability to follow workplace rules! No wonder women remain silent when it comes to harassment and assault in the workplace. There’s a big difference between someone reassuring you of your right to safely report abuse and actually being able to safely report abuse.

NFL Network made an effort thereafter to have Davis leave the company quietly. He was hired by ESPN following his departure.

McParland also alleged that Michael Irvin made inappropriate comments and gestures toward her, once grabbing her waist while she did his makeup during a commercial break. She subsequently avoided him.

NFL Media's Alex Riethmiller provided the following statement to The MMQB in regard to Davis' and Irvin's conduct:

Ms. McParland brought forth allegations of inappropriate workplace conduct. NFL Media thoroughly investigated the allegations and took swift, appropriate remedial action, including severing our relationship with Mr. Davis. The NFL is committed to providing a safe work environment for all of our employees.