Former ESPN broadcaster Keith Orberman denounced Pat McAfee and called on the company to fire him on Monday following comments by WWE commentators on Canada.
McAfee called Canada a “terrifying country” after Canadian wrestling fans booed a “Star Spangled Banner” performance ahead of the Elimination Chamber Premium Live event over the weekend. He rang out about the backlash he received in the “Pat McCuffy Show.”
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Keith Olberman put a lot of emphasis on Pat McAfee's comments. (Pork Drink Water/NBC Newswire)
“Many of us have tried to warn new ESPN management that this idiot will draw them into permanent political debate and that they will be able to be enveloped by it or fire him,” Orberman said in response to McAfee's remarks on Monday. “That day is today. I'm going to fire him.”
McAfee dug during his show.
“Now, Canada, listen, there's something that Canadians said to me. I think you respect me because of your passion for your country. I hope you understand that I was showing the same for me,” McAfee explained on the show. “You booed my country.”
Pat McAfee will appear at the WWE Fastlane Pro Wrestling event held at Gainbridge Field House in Indianapolis on Saturday, October 7, 2023. (image)
New York Rangers' Phantom Toronto Maple Leafs visit Madison Square Garden Canada national anthem
“Now I understand that from Canadians they have far more passions than I imagine. There are so many horrible things being said about me, and I understand that,” McAfee continued.
“The Canadians didn't say it's bad. Your country said. You booed us. You said it's bad. Let's wave and move together. I still love Canadians… I hope it calms down.”
Boos from Canadian fans during the US national anthem began amid President Donald Trump's tariffs on Canadian goods. The president suspended them in February, but it started this week.
Pat McAfee enters the arena during the WWE Royal Rumble at the Alamodome. (Joe CamporeAle-Usa Today Sports)
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The boos continued during a four-country showdown, leading to a battle between the Americans in Montreal and the Canadian NHL players.
Fox News' Scott Thompson contributed to this report.
Follow Fox News Digital's X's sports coverage, And subscribe Fox News Sports Huddle Newsletter.
Ryan Gaydos is the senior editor of Fox News Digital.
ESPN’s Pat McAfee faces backlash from former broadcaster over Canada comments
Former ESPN broadcaster Keith Orberman denounced Pat McAfee and called on the company to fire him on Monday following comments by WWE commentators on Canada.
McAfee called Canada a “terrifying country” after Canadian wrestling fans booed a “Star Spangled Banner” performance ahead of the Elimination Chamber Premium Live event over the weekend. He rang out about the backlash he received in the “Pat McCuffy Show.”
For sports coverage on foxnews.com, click here
Keith Olberman put a lot of emphasis on Pat McAfee's comments. (Pork Drink Water/NBC Newswire)
“Many of us have tried to warn new ESPN management that this idiot will draw them into permanent political debate and that they will be able to be enveloped by it or fire him,” Orberman said in response to McAfee's remarks on Monday. “That day is today. I'm going to fire him.”
McAfee dug during his show.
“Now, Canada, listen, there's something that Canadians said to me. I think you respect me because of your passion for your country. I hope you understand that I was showing the same for me,” McAfee explained on the show. “You booed my country.”
Pat McAfee will appear at the WWE Fastlane Pro Wrestling event held at Gainbridge Field House in Indianapolis on Saturday, October 7, 2023. (image)
New York Rangers' Phantom Toronto Maple Leafs visit Madison Square Garden Canada national anthem
“Now I understand that from Canadians they have far more passions than I imagine. There are so many horrible things being said about me, and I understand that,” McAfee continued.
“The Canadians didn't say it's bad. Your country said. You booed us. You said it's bad. Let's wave and move together. I still love Canadians… I hope it calms down.”
Boos from Canadian fans during the US national anthem began amid President Donald Trump's tariffs on Canadian goods. The president suspended them in February, but it started this week.
Pat McAfee enters the arena during the WWE Royal Rumble at the Alamodome. (Joe CamporeAle-Usa Today Sports)
Click here to get the Fox News app
The boos continued during a four-country showdown, leading to a battle between the Americans in Montreal and the Canadian NHL players.
Fox News' Scott Thompson contributed to this report.
Follow Fox News Digital's X's sports coverage, And subscribe Fox News Sports Huddle Newsletter.
Ryan Gaydos is the senior editor of Fox News Digital.
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