Todd McShay recently opened up about his ongoing feud with ESPN’s Paul Feinbaum, which escalated earlier this week.
In a passionate segment on his podcast, McShay criticized Feinbaum for dismissing a report concerning Jalen Carter ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft. He didn’t hold back, saying, “When I call him the greatest coward ever, that’s exactly what I mean. I have no loyalty to him—he’s a rat, to be honest.” It’s clear McShay isn’t just airing grievances for the sake of it; there’s a backstory here.
On the “Stugotz and Company” podcast, McShay elaborated that his issues with Feinbaum go back about ten years when they were both part of the same network. “I worked under the same umbrella as Paul for a decade,” McShay recounted, hinting that there were some tensions. “There were a few things that rubbed me the wrong way,” he added, which suggests this conflict runs deeper than just these recent public comments.
Interestingly, McShay believes he’s not alone in his feelings. He mentioned others within their network similarly felt uneasy about Feinbaum’s behavior, especially during important events like the Rose Bowl. “It seems like he’s made choices based on appearances,” McShay remarked, hinting at a sense of elitism. Those comments imply a wider discontent with Feinbaum’s professional conduct.
McShay specifically recalled an incident where Feinbaum doubted his loyalty as a colleague, but it wasn’t until recently—especially regarding commentary on the SEC—that McShay really lost patience. Tensions flared after reports emerged about uncertainties surrounding Carter’s work ethic, which further fueled McShay’s frustration. It was later highlighted that Carter was involved in a tragic incident that left two individuals dead.
In response to McShay’s criticisms, Feinbaum claimed he disagreed with any discussions about Carter’s character, pushing back against McShay’s claims during an appearance on “First Take.” “That was the tipping point for me,” McShay noted.
Reflecting on the entire situation, he expressed his disbelief in Feinbaum’s methods: “I don’t trust the guy.” He criticized Feinbaum for not reaching out to him for comment or context, framing it as a pattern of negativity directed at him.
This ongoing spat is just one aspect of a busy news cycle; Feinbaum even joked about contemplating a political career, hinting at a potential run for the U.S. Senate as a Republican.
