PAT McAfee celebrated a mega new television deal for ESPN by attacking executives at the network.
The former NFL punter had his say on the $1.6 billion agreement with WWE announced this week.
Pat McAfee had his say on the new ESPN-WWE deal[/caption]
McAfee used to be a broadcaster on WWE but stepped away to manage his schedule[/caption]
ESPN’s landmark deal with WWE gives them rights to show events such as WrestleMania and the Royal Rumble.
McAfee’s self-titled show has been licensed to ESPN since September 2023.
He also used to be a WWE broadcaster but stepped away to manage his hectic schedule.
“Congrats to the WWE and ESPN on getting a historic deal done,” McAfee posted on X.
“Great to see 2 powerhouses of sports and entertainment come together.”
But he took shots at unnamed ESPN executives, something he has done before.
McAfee continued, “I assume all the mid level, powerless, bum ass suits at ESPN will attempt to muddy this somehow (out of context leaks/ignorant anonymous opinions/etc.)
“But, in the end, this agreement will outlive the dinosaurs currently guarding desks in Bristol and this deal will be great for ESPN.
“Cheers to the future.”
McAfee has had numerous issues with ESPN since taking his show to the network.
He publicly called out former executive Norby Williamson last year for trying to “sabotage” his show.
Aaron Rodgers’ appearances on the show have sometimes been criticized for discussing conspiracy theories.
McAfee was also under fire for referencing a fake internet rumor about an Ole Miss student having an affair with her boyfriend’s dad.
The rumor sparked an FBI investigation, and the family of the student threatened legal action against people who shared it.
A report earlier this summer also claimed McAfee banned NFL reporter Adam Schefter.
The report in The Athletic claims McAfee was unhappy that Schefter was unavailable for an appearance.
McAfee replied by calling the claims “bulls***” and proceeded to bring Schefter onto his program.
ESPN president of content Burke Magnus told the New York Times, “Pat and his show are thriving on ESPN.
“We are very pleased with the partnership.
“That said, in the nearly three years since Pat has brought his show to our platforms, we’ve continuously seen those out there that are seemingly obsessed with wanting to see Pat fail on ESPN.
“This rumor is just the latest example of that.
“Pat and his show continue to break the mold and reach new audiences, and we look forward to the continued success together.”
