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Pat McAfee Is Getting Called Out For The Questionable Timing Of His Big Announcement Amid ESPN’s Mass Layoffs

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This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.

Pat McAfee (Photo Via Imagn Images)

Pat McAfee can’t stay out of controversy for real. The ESPN star is now getting hate after announcing his first music album while the network is going through another round of high-profile layoffs.

The backlash comes as reports continue to link McAfee to a huge new ESPN contract. Earlier this summer, The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand reported that McAfee could receive an extension worth more than $60 million per year. ESPN has not confirmed a new deal, but the report has sparked plenty of discussion online.

Many fans also questioned the timing of McAfee’s album announcement. It came shortly after ESPN reportedly parted ways with well-known personalities, including Ryan Clark, Cam Newton, Tom Pelissero, and Karl Ravech.

Fans Connect McAfee’s Announcement To ESPN Layoffs

Pat McAfee.
Pat McAfee. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

McAfee announced that he will release his debut album, The Diary of a Polarizing Figure, on Aug. 14. He shared a personal message about the project on social media.

“For as long as I can remember my mere existence has made people hate my guts,” McAfee wrote. “I’ve been writing songs about it for 20yrs & it’s time to let them aht.. A LOT of headlines & narratives.. if I was to die, I’d like my kids to know exactly who their dad is.”

After the announcement, many tied it to ESPN’s recent layoffs and the reports about McAfee’s future salary.

One fan posted, “No no you don’t understand, we simply have to fire Tom Pelissero and Stephania Bell in order to produce the Pat McAfee album.”

Another fan added, “He really has no sense of self awareness whatsoever.”

The criticism follows earlier jokes about McAfee’s reported contract value. During a conversation, former NFL star J.J. Watt joked about the rumors.

“Slow, slow news day over there on the ESPN airwaves, huh?” Watt said. “I mean, besides the fact that you’re getting $100 million. Did they keep anybody? Or is everybody fired to pay you? I’m trying to figure that out.”

McAfee also addressed ESPN’s layoffs on Tuesday’s episode of his show. He said the situation was difficult for everyone involved.

“We hate any time this happens. Obviously this is terrible. We don’t like that,” McAfee said. “But we are very honored that we are still partnered with ESPN and Disney for the good of sport and the future.”

Although he acknowledged the layoffs, they did little to quiet the criticism.

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