Craig James: Win or Lose, Analyst Turned Politician Won't Be Back with ESPN

Craig James was a superstar in the state of Texas during his high school and college years.

The now 51-year-old won a Class 4A title with Stratford High School and set a then single season rushing record of 2,411 yards.

He attended SMU in Dallas with fellow state title winner Eric Dickerson and the two completed the trio of backs with Charles Waggoner known as the "Pony Express." 

His legend in Texas was huge, and even after SMU was dealt the NCAA "Death Penalty" in 1987 for repeated recruiting violations during James' time on campus, he went back to Dallas after his playing days were over.

Eventually he became a sports broadcaster and now wants to capture more glory in Texas as a potential U.S. Senator.

According to a USA Today report from Michael Hiestand:

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Craig James is leaving his job as an ESPN college football analyst to run for the Republican nomination for an open U.S. Senate seat in Texas.

In response to an Associated Press report of James' candidacy, ESPN spokesman Josh Krulewitz says, "As James considers his options, he won't be working for us."

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And it is highly unlikely that he'll back with the World Wide Leader in Sports should he lose the election.

James is banking on his Texas football celebrity to carry him against more experienced politicians who already have an advantage in fund raising for the Republican seat.

Hiestand points out that Lynn Swann was the last ESPN employee to run for office when he lost the governor's race of Pennsylvania in 2006. Swann didn't return.

We can expect the same of James should he suffer the same fate. Not only will ESPN find a replacement, but James is also being sued by former Texas Tech coach and new Washington State coach Mike Leach.

ESPN is all too familiar with controversy in the public eye, and it would be a huge surprise if they welcomed the former analyst back into the booth following a Senate loss and possible lawsuit.

Expect to hear Craig James' name involved with Texas politics for a little while, but don't expect him to be calling college football games any time soon.