Pat McAfee Says Utah Video Made Him Uncomfortable Before GameDay

Pat McAfee said a University of Utah social media video mocking his mannerisms left him feeling uncomfortable before ESPN’s College GameDay broadcast in Salt Lake City, and the university apologized after removing the post. McAfee linked his reaction to the 2025 killing of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University, while ESPN said it took safety concerns involving its on-air team seriously. The video, posted on the university’s official accounts ahead of Saturday’s broadcast, asked students to imitate McAfee. Students joked about his catchphrases and his routine of taking off his shirt during the show. One told him to keep his shirt on; another suggested he might say a corny line while making his game pick. The university later said the video was intended as lighthearted engagement about McAfee’s return to campus but missed the mark. On his Monday show, McAfee said he objected to the university publishing the remarks shortly before he was to appear before a crowd and promote the school. He said he would have viewed the comments differently if students had posted them independently. He described feeling unwelcome and uncomfortable, and said he hoped to avoid returning to the...