Pat McAfee on Monday did not apologize for his comments directed at ESPN executive Norby Williamson, instead lamenting that he dragged another high-ranking official, Burke Magnus, into the drama.
McAfee said last week that Williamson, executive senior vice president of studio and event production, was among those who tried to “sabotage” the show. The comment drew intense scrutiny on the show, but it came just hours after Aaron Rodgers caused controversy with his comments about Jimmy Kimmel.
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ESPN announcer Pat McAfee during the College Football Playoff National Championship game between the Georgia Bulldogs and TCU Horned Frogs at SoFi Stadium on January 9, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
McAfee, who was broadcasting from Houston's NRG Stadium ahead of the college football national championship, said his remarks were made on YouTube and ESPN+ programs rather than the linear version, so he “didn't think anyone would hear them.'' ' he joked.
“And the only thing I'm so disappointed in about all of this is that Burke Magnus, a guy we like so much, a guy we watched games with in his suite – he's currently The new head of ESPN (just below Chairman Jimmy Pitaro) – I think what I did and the way I did it made him look a little bad. I just wanted to let you all know. , we love Burke Magnus. … We also love Jimmy Pitaro. Love (Disney CEO) Bob Iger,” he said.
“But there's quite a transition period here between the old and the new. And the old doesn't like what the new does. So, sure some will happen, but we're very I am grateful.”
Pat McAfee stands on the field before the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Georgia Bulldogs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on December 31, 2022. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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He thanked the staff who have worked on “The Pat McAfee Show” and said he appreciates ESPN and what ESPN has done for the show.
The former Indianapolis Colts punter doubled down on his remarks about Williamson.
“Sure, there are people we don't like, sure. And they don't like us,” he said. “That's what it's going to be. And I won't take back anything I said about that person. But I think the whole storyline about us and ESPN is something that people need to remember (holding hands). We are strong, baby.”
“We all know what the future holds. Potentially there are some hags who don't, but we move towards it.”
ESPN did not respond to a request for comment.
The company addressed McAfee's comments last week.
Norby Williamson speaks in the 26th Annual Sports Emmy Awards Press Room at Jazz at Lincoln Center's Frederick P. Rose Hall in New York City. (Countess Jemal/Wire Image)
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“There is no one more committed to and invested in ESPN's success than Norby Williamson,” ESPN told USA Today. “At the same time, we are excited about the multi-platform success we've seen on 'The Pat McAfee Show' across ESPN. We will handle this matter internally and will have no further comment.”
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