In the high-stakes world of sports media, tensions can sometimes bubble over—especially when big personalities and major platforms collide.
That seems to be the case with ESPN’s Pat McAfee and fellow network insider Adam Schefter, whose alleged falling-out over a missed appearance has now turned into a public talking point.
Why McAfee Reportedly Banned Schefter from His Show
According to a new report from The Athletic, Pat McAfee had quietly “banned” Adam Schefter from his hit ESPN show after feeling slighted back in March.
The issue? Schefter reportedly chose to appear on an ESPN2 free agency special instead of joining McAfee’s program—a move that didn’t sit well with the former NFL punter.
Though ESPN has officially dismissed the report as just a “rumor,” the buzz has reignited interest in the dynamic between the two sports figures.
The network also took a shot at those stirring the pot, saying some people seem “obsessed with wanting to see Pat fail on ESPN.”
McAfee and Schefter Reunite—With Some Shade
On Thursday morning, for the first time since the March incident, Schefter was back on McAfee’s show.
And in true McAfee fashion, the reunion came with some blunt commentary.
McAfee called out Andrew Marchand—the reporter behind the story in The Athletic—referring to him as “a rat.”
“I learned a lot about my business this morning,” McAfee said during the show. “Seems like that happens all the time.
But when that rat writes something, it is nice to just be like, ‘Well, that’s bulls***,’ immediately.”
He then introduced Schefter as “a banned man” in a tongue-in-cheek tone, attempting to downplay the drama with some humor.
ESPN Stands by McAfee Amid the Drama
Despite the friction, ESPN has publicly stood behind McAfee.
Burke Magnus, ESPN’s president of content, told The New York Times that Pat’s show is “thriving” and reaching new audiences.
“Pat and his show continue to break the mold,” Magnus said.
“We’re very pleased with the partnership and look forward to continued success together.”
The Bigger Picture: McAfee’s Controversial Run at ESPN
While McAfee has found undeniable success—thanks to his $85 million deal and hit shows like College GameDay—he’s also attracted his fair share of controversy.
His outspoken style and bold guest choices have made him a lightning rod for criticism.
One major flashpoint is his weekly guest spot with Aaron Rodgers, who has frequently used the platform to promote conspiracy theories during NFL season appearances.
That segment alone has stirred plenty of backlash online and within media circles.
A Viral Rumor Gone Wrong
Things got even messier when McAfee shared a completely false rumor on his show involving an Ole Miss student named Mary Kate Cornett.
The internet gossip claimed she had an affair with her boyfriend’s father—an unverified story that spiraled out of control and led to an FBI investigation.
Cornett, just 18 at the time, said she was horrified by the attention and revealed to NBC that McAfee never even tried to contact her before airing the claim.
“I thought it was absolutely ridiculous,” she said. “I’m not a public figure.
He never once reached out to see if it was true.”
She also shared that the rumor brought harassment and name-calling from strangers—turning her life upside down over something entirely baseless.
From NFL Kicker to Media Powerhouse
Before his days as a media firestarter, McAfee was a punter for the Indianapolis Colts.
He retired from the NFL at just 29 after battling knee injuries and quickly transitioned into sports media.
He first made waves with Barstool Sports before striking gold with ESPN.
Love him or hate him, McAfee is a force in the sports media world—unfiltered, popular, and often controversial.
And this latest episode with Schefter is just another reminder that even off the field, the drama can be just as intense.