In a controversial turn of events, former NFL punter Pat McAfee has publicly addressed his involvement in spreading a damaging rumor about Mary Kate Cornett, a 19-year-old student at the University of Mississippi.
The false internet rumor suggested that Cornett had a sexual affair with her boyfriend’s father, a claim that has now sparked an FBI investigation.
The Fallout from the Rumor
Cornett, who was just 18 at the time the rumors began circulating, was subjected to severe harassment after the false claims spread across the internet.
The situation became even more dire when McAfee, known for his sports commentary, discussed the unfounded rumor on his show in February 2025.
As a result, Cornett faced public ridicule, with strangers calling her derogatory names like “whore” and “slut,” despite the complete lack of evidence to support the allegations.
The incident has led to significant public backlash, with many calling for accountability from those who helped propagate the rumor.
Cornett has since criticized McAfee and other prominent figures, saying their actions have had a profound negative impact on her life.
McAfee Speaks Out at ‘Big Night Aht’ Event
McAfee, who signed a lucrative five-year, $85 million deal with ESPN in 2023, addressed the controversy at his “Big Night Aht” event in Pittsburgh.
In front of a live crowd, he expressed regret over his involvement, saying, “I never, ever want to be a part of anything negative in anybody’s life.”
He went on to emphasize that his intention had never been to harm anyone and that his legal team was working to resolve the situation in the best possible way.
“I want to make some sort of silver lining in a very terrible situation,” McAfee added, signaling his commitment to addressing the fallout from the incident.
Cornett Breaks Her Silence
In her first public comments about the viral rumors, Cornett described the chaos her life descended into after the false claims spread.
She criticized McAfee for discussing her personal life on his show without ever reaching out to her for a statement or clarification.
“I thought it was absolutely ridiculous that an ESPN sports broadcaster would be talking about a 19-year-old girl’s ‘sex scandal’ that was completely false,” she told NBC Nightly News.
Cornett, who is now in hiding due to the harassment, has been vocal about the damage caused by the rumors.
She revealed that the incident has left her feeling trapped and victimized by a lie that has spiraled out of control.
Barstool Sports and Dave Portnoy’s Regret
Dave Portnoy, the founder of Barstool Sports, also expressed regret for his media company’s role in spreading the rumor.
Barstool Sports had briefly published the false claims on their platforms, but Portnoy told the Daily Mail he wished the story had never been posted.
He acknowledged the harmful impact of the viral gossip, stating that he would be “p***ed” if he were Cornett’s family.
In a statement, Portnoy admitted that the company should have exercised better judgment, regardless of how viral the story had become.
“I’d like to think we’re better than publishing fake rumors of people not in the public eye,” he said, emphasizing that Barstool Sports needed to do better in protecting the privacy and dignity of individuals not in the public spotlight.
Legal Action on the Horizon
Cornett’s legal team is now considering action against those who spread the false claims, including Barstool Sports and individuals like Charles Nicholas Longley, also known as “Nicky Smokes,” who posted the rumors on Barstool’s social media accounts.
Longley, a rising star at Barstool Sports, labeled Cornett “disgusting” in his commentary, a remark that has further fueled the legal proceedings.
Portnoy has publicly stated that Barstool Sports did not condone the abusive online attacks against Cornett.
However, his comments about the situation suggest that more accountability may be forthcoming, especially as Cornett’s legal team prepares for potential lawsuits.
The Ongoing Impact on Cornett’s Life
For Cornett, the damage caused by the viral rumors continues to linger.
The harassment she has faced has forced her into hiding, and she is now left to navigate the aftermath of a false narrative that has tainted her reputation.
As McAfee and Portnoy reflect on the role they played in this unfolding drama, Cornett’s battle for justice is just beginning.
The FBI investigation is ongoing, and the public outcry shows no signs of subsiding.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of viral misinformation and the profound impact it can have on an individual’s life, especially when high-profile figures are involved in amplifying such harmful rumors.