Pat McAfee Faces Backlash Over Comments on Caitlin Clark

ESPN personality Pat McAfee has found himself in hot water again regarding his remarks about WNBA rookie Caitlin Clark. During a recent episode of "The Pat McAfee Show," he mentioned that "the universe told me not to talk about her," while discussing Clark with veteran sportscaster Rich Eisen. This comment followed a previous incident where McAfee used a derogatory term to describe Clark, leading to widespread criticism and prompting him to issue a public apology. In his apology, McAfee clarified that his intentions were meant to be complimentary, despite the backlash he received for his earlier comments. He acknowledged that his choice of words, specifically referring to Clark as a "white b," was inappropriate and disrespectful. McAfee expressed regret for the impact of his words, stating, "I have too much respect for her and women to put that into the universe." He also reached out directly to Clark to apologize for his remarks. Clark, who has made a significant impact in her rookie season with the Indiana Fever, has not publicly addressed the controversy. McAfee's comments have sparked discussions on social media, with some interpreting his remarks as a critique of ESPN's coverage of Clark and the WNBA. Despite the controversy, McAfee maintains that his statements were factual and rooted in admiration for Clark's achievements, including breaking a nearly 30-year-old rookie assist record in a recent game.