Indianapolis, IN – ESPN’s Pat McAfee is facing a growing challenge. The host and former NFL punter publicly criticized longtime ESPN executive Norby Williamson, accusing him of attempting to sabotage his show by leaking information to the media.
According to a report by The New York Post, McAfee’s show has been experiencing low ratings, with a 48% drop from its lead-in show, “First Take.” McAfee suggested that Williamson may have leaked this information to the Post. However, there is no evidence to support this claim.
This is not the first time that Williamson has been accused of leaking private details, including contract information, according to insiders. Former ESPN journalist Jemele Hill even expressed solidarity with McAfee’s comments about Williamson.
In addition to the alleged leaks, there is also discontent among some ESPN employees regarding McAfee’s show and his lucrative contract. McAfee signed a five-year, $85 million deal with ESPN in May.
ESPN management is aware of the situation and is looking into the details. However, there are no plans to suspend McAfee at this time, as the network hopes to find a resolution that will satisfy both McAfee and Williamson.
In a separate incident, McAfee faced backlash for providing a platform to New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who made factually inaccurate comments about ABC late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel. McAfee later apologized for his role in the incident.
ESPN executive Mike Foss admitted that Rodgers’ comments were inappropriate and should never have been made. It was previously reported that McAfee had paid Rodgers millions to appear on his show.
Pat McAfee’s show on ESPN has been facing challenges in terms of ratings and controversies. ESPN is investigating the situation and striving to find a way to resolve the issues involving both McAfee and Williamson.