'What a s*** show': Pat McAfee torches his own network over 'terrible' ESPN top 100 athlete list



ESPN's top podcaster Pat McAfee criticized an ESPN list of top athletes as one of the worst things he has ever seen on the network.

The former NFL punter did not pull any punches when going after his own network's list of the best athletes since 2000.

The ranking of 100 athletes had only been partially released when McAfee started his show revealing his plans to trash the list:

"There is a top 100 list that is coming out from ESPN's people and I'll tell ya what, it is the epitome of everything that everybody hates about ESPN," McAfee stated. "What they chose to do about ranking the top 100 athletes of the 21st century ... what a s*** show."

"What an absolute, terrible list," the former player added, before saying he planned on blaming guest of the show and former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky for the ESPN project.

'Is this the dumbest thing of all time?'

McAfee's contract with ESPN is a reported $85 million over five years, making him at least one of the highest paid personalities on the network. This hasn't stopped him from causing a stir on the Disney-owned channel, however. His frequent interviews with controversial quarterback Aaron Rodgers have been coupled with criticisms of network brass, with McAfee seldom shying away from expressing his views.

To his point, some of the obvious flubs on the list include placing A'ja Wilson, a 27-year-old WNBA champion at No. 90, ahead of Super Bowl winner Aaron Rodgers (91), Hall of Fame pitcher Pedro Martinez (92), and legendary soccer player Ronaldinho (94).

Furthermore, No. 56-ranked Spanish female soccer player Alexia Putellas was placed ahead of several soccer greats, including Zlatan Ibrahimović (95).

She was also shockingly far ahead of tennis legend Venus Williams (86), WNBA pioneers Candace Parker (60) and Lisa Leslie (74), and Jon Jones (66). Jones is a multi-weight UFC champion who is considered the greatest of all time by many, with only one loss coming from an illegal strike.

The list is sure to please almost no one with strange rankings of nearly unknown female basketball players, skiers, and even cricket players. Somehow, they are put in the same realm as athletes like Barry Bonds (38), Derek Jeter (53), and Alexander Ovechkin (54).

About 20 minutes into "The Pat McAfee Show," McAfee asked Orlovsky, who is now a notable analyst, how he felt about the attempt to make a definitive list like this.

"How do you feel about this list? Is this where you kind of sit it, and is this the dumbest thing of all time to kind of take the ideas of a slew of people and try to make it as if it's one person's concept?" McAfee asked.

ESPN's methodology basically consisted of "experts in individual sports" being asked to rank the top athletes in their sport since January 1, 2000. The rankings were then reevaluated by another "panel of experts."

Orlovksy responded by saying that the whole conversation surrounding a list of who is the top athlete, or, in particular, the top quarterback, needed to be "altered."

"I've been on this for I feel like a couple years now but certainly this offseason ... the whole top five/top 10 quarterback conversation probably needs to be altered," he remarked.

He went on to say that lists of this nature inevitably result in certain players being left off because the necessary parameters are not being considered.

Orlovsky went on to declare that the way the media talks about quarterbacks is unfair and overlooks some of the fundamental talents that make a good play-caller.

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Pat Tillman's mom rips ESPYs for naming Prince Harry as recipient of son's award, Pat McAfee says ESPN did it to 'piss people off'



The mother of fallen American hero Pat Tillman is "shocked" that the award named after her son would be given to Britain's Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex.

The Pat Tillman Award for Service is an annual award given to an individual or group with a "strong connection to sports who has served others in a way that echoes the legacy of the former NFL player and U.S. Army Ranger, Pat Tillman."

The award was established in 2014, ten years after Tillman died in combat in Afghanistan from friendly fire.

Tillman famously turned down a multi-year, multi-million NFL contract to enlist in the U.S. Army after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.

Recent recipients of the Pat Tillman Award include the Buffalo Bills Training Staff for reviving Damar Hamlin after he suddenly suffered a cardiac arrest in the middle of a game (2023), retired U.S. Army Command Sergeant Major Gretchen Evans (2022), professional footballer Marcus Rashford (2021), and professional boxer Kim Clavel (2020).

On Thursday, ESPN announced that Prince Harry would be the recipient of the Pat Tillman Award for Service.

"In honor of his tireless work in making a positive impact for the veteran community through the power of sport, Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex will receive the Pat Tillman Award for Service, an award given to a person with a strong connection to sports who has served others in a way that echoes the legacy of the former NFL player and U.S. Army Ranger, Pat Tillman," the press release stated. "After serving for 10 years in the British Armed Forces, including two tours of duty in Afghanistan as a forward air controller and Apache helicopter pilot, Prince Harry founded The Invictus Games Foundation, continuing his service by creating an international platform to support wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women – both active-duty and veterans – who are navigating both physical and invisible injuries."

Prince Harry will be presented the Pat Tillman Award at the 2024 ESPYs set to air on July 11.

Mary Tillman, the mother of Pat Tillman, was "shocked" that the award would be given to Prince Harry and said she was not consulted on the winner of her son's award.

Mary Tillman told the Daily Mail, "I am shocked as to why they would select such a controversial and divisive individual to receive the award."

She continued, "There are recipients that are far more fitting. There are individuals working in the veteran community that are doing tremendous things to assist veterans. These individuals do not have the money, resources, connections, or privilege that Prince Harry has. I feel that those types of individuals should be recognized."

Outspoken sports commentator Pat McAfee – who works at ESPN – was also dismayed by the selection and even ripped his own network.

McAfee said, "It's going to Prince Harry. Who I don’t even think is a Prince anymore, right? He said don’t call me that? See, why does the ESPYs do this s**t?"

"When you do something like this, you know the immediate reaction from humans and from sports fans and like people with like just common sense in brains," McAffe stated on "The Pat McAfee Show."

McAfee said that the decision to give Prince Harry the Pat Tillman Award had the intention of "trying to piss people off."

A petition has been launched to urge ESPN to "rethink" giving the Pat Tillman Award of Service to Prince Harry. At the time of publication, the petition had nearly 25,000 signatures.

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Stephen A. Smith says Pat McAfee doesn't have to be as 'politically polished' because he's white

Stephen A. Smith says Pat McAfee doesn't have to be as 'politically polished' because he's white



Sports commentator Stephen A. Smith claimed that podcaster Pat McAfee did not need to be as well versed in politics as Smith because of his skin color.

Smith appeared on "Bussin' with the Boys," a podcast hosted by former NFL players Taylor Lewan and Will Compton. Smith commented on the differences between being a a successful host on a show on "linear television" versus podcasting.

Lewan asked Smith about McAfee, who has had an extremely successful transition to ESPN with his less formulaic podcast, which hasn't been afraid to be controversial.

"You talked about being the man, number one for 12 years, and you see ESPN making a pivot to McAfee. Obviously great for the network. How do you in your mindset view a guy like McAfee, who is extremely good at his job in a lot of ways, is changing the course of mainstream media and all those things from a competitive standpoint? And also as a partner."

"I'm an aberration in this regard," Smith began. "I love Pat McAfee ... love him to death, love him to death. I love his swag. I love the fact that he's an honest brother. He don't give a s*** and lets you know exactly where he stands. That's my kind of dude, that works for me," Smith continued.

The broadcaster then alluded to the idea that because of McAfee's race, he didn't have the same necessity or requirement to be educated in politics as Smith does.

"Now, is he as polished politically as me? Nope, because he has no desire to be, number one. And number two, if we're being honest, he's white and I'm black. He didn't have to be, I had to be, so I get all of that and I'm not knocking him for it."

Smith added that he still roots for McAfee as a "pioneer" in the podcasting field, just as he roots for all his friends and competitors. At the same time, Smith said he wants to be at the top.

McAfee was at the center of controversy for most of 2023 when he had Super Bowl winner Aaron Rodgers on his show multiple times, showcasing a public feud with late-night host Jimmy Kimmel.

Rodgers has frequently made statements against large pharmaceutical companies, throwing McAfee into high-profile debates in the media.

McAfee has explained, however, that his show was not very fond of being involved in "political wars and public beefs," adding that he and his fellow co-hosts will try to "avoid as many as possible" in the future.

"I'm not stupid enough to accuse you of that with absolutely zero concrete evidence."\n\nAaron Rodgers gives his side of the controversy with Jimmy Kimmel
— (@)

Smith has recently been rumored to be replacing host Kimmel on his show after the 56-year-old's latest contract expires.

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'I never said he’ll never be on the show again': Pat McAfee clears up Aaron Rodgers rumors after Jimmy Kimmel controversy



Popular podcast host Pat McAfee explained the real reason Aaron Rodgers will stop making weekly appearances on his podcast after accusations that he had suspended the NFL quarterback from his show due to controversial remarks.

Rodgers had been taking part in exchanges with late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel for the better part of a year since revelations about Jeffrey Epstein's client list surfaced.

In March 2023, Kimmel called Rodgers a tin foil hat-wearer and a "Green Bay wackpacker" for discussing the possible release of a list of names related to the Epstein child-trafficking scandal.

In early 2024, Kimmel threatened to sue Rodgers for comments he made once again regarding the Epstein list.

"There’s a lot of people, including Jimmy Kimmel, are really hoping that doesn't come out," Rodgers said on "The Pat McAfee Show."

Kimmel responded on social media as if this was a direct accusation by Rodgers, despite him referencing the previous 2023 comments made by the host.

"Dear A***hole: for the record, I’ve not met, flown with, visited, or had any contact whatsoever with Epstein, nor will you find my name on any 'list' other than the clearly-phony nonsense that soft-brained wackos like yourself can’t seem to distinguish from reality," Kimmel wrote on X.

Following the end of the 2023 NFL season, McAfee announced that Rodgers would no longer appear on his show for the time being and that he was happy to be avoiding any political controversy in the near future.

"So 'Aaron Rodgers Tuesday,' season 4 is done," McAfee said before clapping. "There are going to be a lot of people that happy with that, myself included to be honest."

Disappointed by McAfee\xe2\x80\x99s approach!\n\nDisney/ESPN won.\n\nAaron Rodgers suspended from "The Pat McAfee Show" after his comments on Jimmy Kimmel.\n\nMcAfee said he was "happy" Rodgers wouldn't be back on the show because of the drama it caused.
— (@)

This prompted a steady flow of articles that appeared to imply that McAfee (or parent company ESPN/Disney) had purposely pulled the plug on future appearances by the four-time NFL MVP.

CNN even made an anonymous claim that a "person familiar with the matter" said that cancellation of Rodgers' appearances was due to "his recent behavior, not the conclusion of the regular NFL season."

McAfee then made a lengthy post on X explaining that the reason was indeed the end of Rodgers' season, with his team the New York Jets failing to make the playoffs.

"Our fans know that ['Aaron Rodgers Tuesdays'] ends shortly after Aaron’s team’s season ends.. that’s how it’s been. He’ll make random surprise welcomed pop ins during big events or offseason adventures but, it’s always been a season thing. I never said he’ll never be on the show again. I hope he chooses to still chat with us."

McAfee went on explain that his show was not very fond of being involved in "political wars and public beefs," adding that he and his fellow co-hosts will try to "avoid as many as possible" in the future.

A lot of you are talking very wild about me and our progrum.. I assume you are very new to us.\n\nWe are a sports show that tries to inform folks of what\xe2\x80\x99s going on and have a good time with good vibes\xe2\x80\xa6 Everyday.\n\nWe do not bat 1000 but we feel as if we do make solid contact A\xe2\x80\xa6
— (@)

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9 Truths From Aaron Rodgers’ Explosive Vaxx Interview You Aren’t Allowed To Say

9 Truths From Aaron Rodgers’ Explosive Vaxx Interview You Aren’t Allowed To Say

You don't have to like Aaron Rodgers to pump your fist when he drops COVID truth bombs on a hit sports talk show.

Whitlock: Aaron Rodgers and Pat McAfee cleverly defend Dave Chappelle and manhood



Add NFL superstar Aaron Rodgers to the list of people inspired by Dave Chappelle's Netflix special, "The Closer."

On Tuesday, during his regular appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show," the Packers quarterback and reigning MVP went out of his way to attack the woke and cancel culture.

When McAfee engaged Rodgers in a conversation about reaction to Rodgers' end-zone celebration and taunting of Chicago Bears fans — the quarterback screamed "I own you" — Rodgers pivoted to discussing his disdain for woke culture.

"That is the state of our media and really our culture, not just media," Rodgers began. "But our culture. This woke PC culture, and if I may elaborate just slightly, if you don't mind."

The woke did not attack Rodgers for his in-your-face celebration. In fact, people celebrated it. I think Rodgers knows this. McAfee does. He eventually told Rodgers that all he saw across social media were people praising Rodgers.

Rodgers was clearly looking for an avenue to express his dislike of PC culture. He told McAfee how much he enjoyed appearing on his podcast because it gives him a platform to showcase his true personality and flex his intellectual chops.

Political correctness, woke culture, and cancel culture are dominant topics in American culture at large. Rodgers wants to talk about it. I suspect Rodgers wants to show support for Chappelle, the Harriet Tubman of closeted real men. Chappelle is freeing the mentally enslaved. Rodgers used McAfee's show as an underground railroad to intellectual freedom.

"There's a PC, woke culture that exists, and there's a cancel culture at the same time," Rodgers told McAfee. "And it's based on people's own feelings of personal miserability or just distaste for their own situations or life or just an enjoyment of holding other people down with their thumb."

Rodgers personalized his opinion and pointed out that he believes the sports media have leaned into false narratives about his personal life, his motives, and his leadership style. He insinuated that the sports media have tried to cancel him and/or diminish him with false narratives.

It's a bit of a stretch if you can't acknowledge Rodgers' true agenda. He was looking for an excuse to dump on cancel culture. McAfee is friends with Rodgers. I suspect, like a lot of friends, McAfee and Rodgers have discussed the controversy surrounding Chappelle's last comedy special. Netflix employees staged a walkout on Wednesday. They want the streaming service to pull Chappelle's show. They believe "The Closer" is hostile toward transgender people. They want Chappelle canceled.

My suspicion is Rodgers wanted to support Chappelle or Chappelle's point of view without putting himself and the Packers organization in the crosshairs of the BLM-LGBTQ-CRT Alphabet Mafia.

Rodgers is smart. He found a way to express his opinion without inviting unnecessary and distracting controversy.

"Ultimately, there's a game within the game," Rodgers said. "And in this game, there's a player and there's a game. If the player abides by the rules of the game, he's a part of the game. Now the rules of the game are you must acquiesce with the woke mob at all times. You must. However, when you live above the game, the game does not exist. That's where I'm at. These things, I realize them, I see them, but I'm not a part of this game that's being played. The game is being played out by these individuals and I see it, I hear it, but to me it's comedy."

Or it's a comedy special, "The Closer."

Rodgers is playing the game and the game within the game at the highest level.

"Back when I first got in the league and when I grew up watching it, I feel like trash talk was a little more normalized," he said. "You didn't have to apologize if you said something that offended a few people in a city."

Are you starting to hear and recognize the Chappelle?

Aaron Rodgers is moving way up on my list of favorite NFL players and quarterbacks. I'm a Kansas City Chiefs fan. I've been heartbroken by Patrick Mahomes swallowing and promoting the entire woke agenda. I've been disappointed that Tom Brady hasn't spoken on behalf of people reluctant to take the COVID vaccine. Most of these professional athletes live in fear of the social media mobs.

Rodgers and Lamar "Unvaccinated" Jackson are my two new favorite quarterbacks. I hope they face each other in the Super Bowl. If it happens, I'm not sure who I would root for. Rodgers' interview with McAfee is amazing.

"But I'm not a victim either. I don't look at myself as a victim," Rodgers said. "I don't want people to feel bad for me because of the spotlight I'm in and the platform that I have and the scrutiny that comes with it. I accept all of it. I don't have a problem with it ...

"I like to speak the truth. And I'm not a part of this woke cancel culture that gets off on trying to silence people all the time."

Thank you, Dave Chappelle. Thank you for inspiring Aaron Rodgers.

We can only hope Chappelle and Rodgers wake up some of these other cowards.