Getty Image
Pat McAfee will be returning to the College Gameday set this fall. The sports show host provided viewers with an announcement on Wednesday detailing his decision.
In doing so, he singled out a lawyer at ESPN for making the process more difficult than it needed to be. It’s his latest criticism of the network, which he’s worked for since May of last year.
McAfee took a pay cut to link up with ESPN in 2023 after having previously worked with FanDuel. Since, there’s been plenty of drama between the two sides.
Earlier this month, he called out “the suits” that work for the network.
I’m very new to this super suit social gathering platform but… I can already tell not enough folks are telling the truth,” he posted to LinkedIn. “Unless you were born into a wealthy family or marry into a successful family business, the only thing that matters is if you have a great work ethic. YOU HAVE NO CHANCE for success in anything in this life if you don’t work hard. You can accomplish anything if you’re willing to work your *** off and buy in.”
McAfee’s personality is much different than what we typically see from the Worldwide Leader in Sports. Not as buttoned up as most of his co-workers, he’s often seen donning a t-shirt (and maybe a championship belt), using profanity, and rousing the masses with his over-the-top nature.
He’s also not afraid to come after the network, itself.
This year, alone, he’s blasted ESPN’s list of Top 100 athletes of the 21st Century, ripped Prince Harry’s Espy honor, and taken a shot at colleague Adrian Wojnarowski.
That said, many view his show as highly entertaining as he’s able to secure some of the top personalities in sports. A number of those followers also tend to agree with his critiques of ESPN.
There will be more to come this fall.
When not doing his Pat McAfee Show gig throughout the week, he was seen on College Gameday last fall. It looks like he’ll be back in 2024.
Pat McAfee announces return to ‘College Gameday.’
View this post on Instagram
McAfee brought energy to the show last season, and he believes he’s the best person for the job.
One of ESPN’s lawyers, however, might’ve seen things differently.
While addressing his decision Wednesday, McAfee singled out that naysayer to start his show.
“It is officially official… I am returning to College Gameday, and although I don’t want to make a big deal out of it, I know it is a big f—ing deal that it is happening. There’s some drama that obviously started lingering… Some lawyer at ESPN tried to be a super genius… I ended up being a free agent, and it was a real moment of looking in the mirror, and saying, ‘Am I the right person for the job?’
“Obviously, The Athletic poll came out last year. It said like 50% of the people were like, ‘Get this guy the h— off of College Gameday…’ Did I want to continue to ‘ruin’ these people’s Saturdays, and did I want to maybe sleep in on a Saturday morning during football season?… Do I want to sign up to hear in my mentions how terrible a person I am from people that don’t understand the type of human I am?… Every time I thought about it, I was like, ‘I get the opportunity to do this.. I need to do this…’
“To that lawyer, you’re a genius, buddy. You did great. Caused a lot of s— but ultimately in the end, this stooge in a USA tank top could work you every time in that negotiating table. Never ever forget it.”
Mic dropped.
McAfee’s not for everyone, which was clear from that poll referenced in his monologue. Some who’ve viewed the College Gameday show since the beginning were unhappy with the changeup.
Others, though, will be over the moon to see him make his return.
The two worlds can co-exist peacefully, though, while providing a great product. We all need some energy on those sleepy Saturday mornings!
Pat McAfee doesn’t seem to care how some people view him, and he’s excited to be back for college football season this fall.