ESPN personality Pat McAfee expressed feeling uncomfortable following online jokes made by students prior to a College GameDay appearance at the University of Utah. While the social media posts involved lighthearted banter, McAfee suggested the interaction caused him unease regarding safety during the visit.
The controversy began when the University of Utah's Instagram and TikTok accounts posted videos featuring students making jokes about McAfee. The content poked fun at the host for his tendency to rip his shirt on set and for delivering corny lines instead of technical analysis. One student in a video even told McAfee to keep his shirt on while adding they loved him.
In response to the online interaction, the university published an apology and removed the offending videos from its social media channels. ESPN also issued a statement supporting McAfee and acknowledging his concerns regarding safety and security. This follows McAfee's recent comments on his show where he alluded to the assassination of Charlie Kirk when discussing his unease at the Utah campus.
McAfee has seen a significant rise in sports media prominence, including a five-year, $85 million deal signed in 2023 to bring The Pat McAfee Show to ESPN. Executives have reportedly discussed a new contract for the host valued between $60 million and $65 million annually. ESPN executive vice-president Mike Foss recently stated that McAfee can do whatever he wants at the network.
McAfee's presence on College GameDay has been linked to high ratings for the program. His recent work includes involvement in Monday Night Football and potential future roles in Super Bowl alternative broadcasts.
