Report: ESPN producers 'fed up' with Pat McAfee's behavior

Pat McAfee isn’t making life easy over at ESPN. According to Michael McCarthy of Front Office Sports, McAfee’s latest comments about the company were met with much chagrin by some, and there are those who are fed up with what they describe as “diva-like” behavior.

However, McCarthy added that change isn’t exactly expected. The network appears to be standing by McAfee.

“There is also a sense that nothing’s going to change, since the talented and influential McAfee has the backing of three top executives — ESPN’s president of content Burke Magnus, ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro and Walt Disney CEO Bob Iger,” McCarthy wrote.

Earlier this week, McAfee made headlines regarding comments about the “old ESPN people” producing College GameDay, which didn’t sit well. McAfee did not hold back in his real feelings.

“If you think about old white people and old ESPN people, those are really the people that hate me the most at this stage of life,” McAfee said in a video on his own Instagram, via Awful Announcing per McCarthy. “Now, granted, there’s some other groups that certainly have threatened my life on a pretty regular basis; I’d say they hate me, too. 

“But throughout the entirety, old whites and the old ESPN people over the last like three years have really hated me. That’s who all the producers are of GameDay, too. So now—it’s been a fun run. College football is great. OK, cheers, have a great day.”

“Some ESPNers are growing tired of McAfee’s public whining, sources say, which they view as juvenile, unprofessional and bad for business,” McCarthy wrote. “If McAfee has an issue with his GameDay producers, they believe he should hammer it out with them in person; not publicly rip people who can’t go on TV to defend themselves.”

One source told FOS that the entire ordeal was “totally unnecessary” from McAfee. Another called him an “entitled diva,” per McCarthy.

“Totally unnecessary. Grow up and talk to these people to make it better. You are not a victim,” the source said. “Everyone is bending over backwards to put you in a good position—and these same people are incentivized for you to succeed.”

McAfee could not be reached for comment by McCarthy. However, Magnus hailed McAfee as a “creative force” in a statement to FOS, but he admitted his disruptive style can sometimes cause “friction.”

“Pat is a creative force. He’s pushed hard to advance College GameDay and his impact has been enormous,” Magnus said. “Since he joined ESPN, GameDay—as well as his own daily show—have experienced unprecedented success. Pat is also an innovator, and when you have someone who disrupts the status quo, it’s not surprising when there’s friction and disagreement as a result.

“We will continue to encourage and support Pat and the entire GameDay cast and crew as together they break new ground on one of ESPN’s most important franchises.”

Time will tell how McAfee’s relationship with ESPN works out. It’s evident there are some points of contention, but as long as he continues to deliver ratings and has the backing of top decision-makers, it’s tough to see him leaving the network.