Todd McShay reveals reason for Paul Finebaum feud, doubles down with epic call-out

The Todd McShay-Paul Finebaum saga continued on McShay’s show on Thursday. Earlier this week, McShay called the SEC analyst an “all-time coward,” and has since revealed the origin of their beef stems from Jalen Carter and the 2023 NFL Draft.

McShay’s reporting at the time highlighted concerns regarding Carter’s character. Finebaum pushed back against his then-colleague, causing friction between the pair. Now, McShay has doubled-down on his criticism toward Finebaum. The called out the SEC Network host, and took a shot or two at him along the way.

“Carter had an impeccable record, and Carter had impeccable character — because you talked to probably one person at Georgia, and they’re going to protect their guy,” McShay said. “Hey, Paul, pick up your phone, call me, shoot me a text, email. That’s my whole thing. He didn’t call me directly to get background. He didn’t call for my comments. He didn’t have me on his show.

“He did nothing but keep my name coming out of his mouth in a negative regard, without doing any work or just asking the person who said the comments, who also works for the same company you do, who also was on your show dozens of times throughout the years, come on set on college campuses with you, and was on your show between give and 10 times that fall. Instead of doing the right thing, you just do what you did, what you do. You incite more drama. You just throw shit out there that you know nothing about.”

Finebaum has a reputation for his unfiltered takes toward college football programs and players. Though, that recognition hasn’t been without getting under the skins of fans, players, coaches, and now, apparently peers.

In turn, Finebaum has become no stranger to controversy. His bold takes have turned him into one of college football’s most recognized voices over the years, and on more than one occasion it has landed him in some hot water. That trend continues with McShay’s rant on Thursday.

What’s clear is that Finebaum has rubbed McShay the wrong way on more than one occasion during their tenure together at ESPN. McShay ended his rant by taking a shot at Finebaum’s possible political career.

“So when I say he’s an all-time coward, that’s why I say it,” McShay said. “When I say he has no loyalty, that’s why I say it. And to be honest with you, I think the guy’s a rat, and so he’s perfect to be a politician.”