NewsLos Angeles Times — EntertainmentOctober 27, 2026Los Angeles County
Pat McAfee criticizes University of Utah over social media video and expresses safety concerns
Photo: Los Angeles Times — Entertainment
ESPN analyst Pat McAfee criticized the University of Utah on his sports talk show following a satirical social media video released by the school ahead of a "College GameDay" broadcast. McAfee stated he felt unsafe and unwelcome on campus, referencing a past shooting incident in the state, while ESPN issued a statement supporting his safety concerns and the university subsequently apologized and removed the video.
Read the full story at Los Angeles Times — EntertainmentWhy It Matters
The public dispute led ESPN to defend the physical security of its broadcasting crew, prompted a formal apology from a major public university, and highlighted ongoing tensions between high-profile sports media personalities and university host institutions.
Key Facts
- Pat McAfee criticized the University of Utah on his sports talk show after the school posted a video mocking his broadcast antics.
- The University of Utah's video, posted ahead of the 'College GameDay' broadcast from Salt Lake City, asked students to do impressions of McAfee and call his routines corny.
- McAfee referenced the September 2025 killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University when expressing his discomfort and safety concerns.
- The University of Utah removed the video from its social media accounts and issued an apology, stating the content missed the mark.
- ESPN issued a statement defending McAfee and emphasizing the importance of safety and security for its on-air team and crew.
- Social media users reacted to the dispute by posting memes mocking McAfee.
Who's Mentioned
OrganizationESPN“Broadcasting network that produces 'College GameDay' and defended McAfee's safet”OrganizationUtah Valley University“Location where conservative activist Charlie Kirk was killed.”PersonPat McAfee“Co-host of ESPN's 'College GameDay' who criticized the University of Utah.”locationUtah“State where the broadcast and related events occurred.”PersonCharlie Kirk“Conservative activist whose killing in Utah was referenced by McAfee.”OrganizationThe Athletic“Publication that ran a column critiquing McAfee's personality on 'College GameDa”locationSalt Lake City“Location of the University of Utah campus where 'College GameDay' took place.”OrganizationUniversity of Utah“Institution that published a satirical video and later issued an apology.”OrganizationHouston“Football team playing against the University of Utah.”