Fans have not seen Frank Fox (formerly Sweeney) on “The Challenge” since 2014, but his controversial exit from the “Free Agents” season still sparks debate. After taking home the championship on “Battle of the Seasons” and landing second in “Rivals II,” Fox entered “Free Agents” as a major contender, geared up for a solo game. He came in hot (as always), winning two intense eliminations. But just as he was gaining momentum, things took a turn.
After experiencing troubling symptoms, at one point suspecting a collapsed lung, Fox went to the emergency room and was diagnosed with a contagious viral infection. To the shock of fans and his competition alike, Fox was disqualified and sent home in order to protect the rest of the cast. Now, Fox is questioning MTV’s motives behind sending him home.
‘The Challenge’s’ Frank Sweeny Questions MTV Over His Controversial Disqualification
In a recent appearance on Johnny Bananas’ “Death, Taxes, and Bananas” podcast, Fox opened up about his abrupt medical disqualification from “The Challenge: Free Agents”—and he’s not holding back.
Bananas, a seven-time champion himself, didn’t mince words: “Last time we saw you was on ‘Free Agents.’ Very controversial DQ, especially with what they’re allowing to fly these days. (Like Derrick Kosinski’s torn ACL, torn meniscus, and LCL strain that he competed with during season 40.) What did you have—like a cold or something?”*
He continued, “Given what we’ve seen lately—people competing with their legs basically hanging off—do you feel like that was an (expletive) way to go out?”
Fox agreed without hesitation. “Yeah, I do. I was sick, like very sick. But if I’m being honest, I don’t think they (meaning MTV) were ready for a Frank win.”
He added, “I really believe I would’ve taken that season. It would’ve been you, me, Jordan, or CT in that final. And I don’t think MTV was ready for the villain to walk away with the crown.”
‘The Challenge All Stars’ Finalist Fox Calls Bananas Out For Calling Him the ‘Worst Partner Ever’
During their chat, Bananas brought up Fox’s “All Stars Rivals” partnership with with his Real World: San Diego” roommate and “Battle of the Seasons” co-champ Sam McGinn, asking whether being seen as an underdog duo actually worked in their favor—since most of the cast didn’t view them as a threat.
Fox agreed, admitting he leaned into the perception that they were the “weakest link” as part of his gameplay. Reading the dynamics in the house early on, he decided to play the role to his advantage. Then, flipping the conversation, he asked Bananas, who’s competed in 22 seasons, how he thought their partnership dynamic was when they were paired up on “Rivals II.”
Bananas noted that he usually ends up with strong partners before jokingly backtracking and saying, “Well… except you.”
Frank didn’t let that slide. “Oh, I clocked that. You said I was your worst partner, and I don’t think I didn’t catch it. It’s out there—I heard it,” he fired back with a laugh.
Bananas clarified his point: their issue wasn’t skill but teamwork. “You never really saw us as a pair,” he explained, “It felt like you were always trying to beat me instead of working with me.”
Frank took it in stride, owning his role in the dynamic. “Fair,” he admitted. “I was 23. A lot of that was just bravado. I was pretty insecure back then.”
Fans can catch Fox competing in part one of “The Challenge All Stars: Rivals” finale on Wednesday, April 9, on MTV.
Tell us! Do you agree with Frank Fox about his “Free Agents” DQ? Let us know in the comments below.