There’s already been a few big internal explosions during Pat McAfee’s short tenure at ESPN.
The latest blow-up comes against legendary ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith, who reportedly had an “explosive” argument with McAfee over a special project.
Stephen A. Smith and Pat McAfee Had Heated Argument
McAfee and Smith are certainly two of the most explosive on-camera personalities in sports media.
The tank-top-wearing McAfee is the new-school, F-bomb-dropping media darling that has taken the internet by storm with “The Pat McAfee Show.” Conversely, Smith is a television legend. “First Take” has reshaped how sports and entertainment news is consumed, especially in a debate format.
According to the New York Post, a private conversation several weeks ago between McAfee and Smith got heated. Things escalated to the point where McAfee called Smith a “motherf—er.”
The dispute, according to the New York Post, stemmed from creative differences surrounding a yet-to-be-announced project that Smith is producing through his own production company, Mr. SAS Productions, that will ultimately air on ESPN.
The Post heard that in the aftermath of the feud, Smith banned McAfee from appearing on First Take. However, McAfee has denied that there was ever a ban.
An ESPN spokesperson denied giving a comment on this situation.
“I have nothing but love for Stephen A.,” McAfee told The Post.
He also said he believes he is still welcome to join First Take and was scheduled to join the show on Tuesdays throughout the football season. McAfee said he hopes that appearance will continue next season as well.
Smith also told the New York Post that he has no issue with McAfee, calling the report made up in an email.
“Pat McAfee and I have no issue, and the notion that he’d be banned from First Take is BS,” Smith said. “We are No. 1, and he absolutely contributed to us remaining No. 1.”
Smith went on to explain that he appreciated McAfee’s electric Tuesday appearances and that they will potentially go on as planned throughout next season.
“If McAfee wants to be on First Take next season, he will be on First Take. I love winners, and McAfee has proven he wins — which helps ME win. I don’t know how many times I have to tell folks that he’s trail-blazed a path into a new era for so many of us.
“I’m grateful to have him as a part of my team and the ESPN Family. And I’m looking forward to having him on for years to come. I sincerely hope that I will not have to repeat myself on this nonsense again!”
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