Pat McAfee criticizes University of Utah after campus video sparks controversy

Pat McAfee, a co-host of ESPN’s College GameDay, said on his sports talk show that he hopes to avoid future visits to the University of Utah after a campus video ridiculed his signature shirt-removing routine. He suggested he might call in sick if the program returns to the state, adding that he did not enjoy his recent appearance there.

The university had posted a short clip on its official social media accounts in which students were invited to imitate McAfee and were encouraged to criticize his on-air antics as “corny.” The video was removed after it drew widespread criticism online, and the school issued an apology stating the content was intended as “lighthearted engagement” but “missed the mark.”

“University staff are responsible for reviewing and posting content on official social media accounts and we take full accountability for that decision,” the university said. “University officials have reached out to Pat to express appreciation and regret. We sincerely apologize for creating any perception that Pat was unsafe or unwelcome on our campus. Nothing could be further from the truth.”

McAfee also referenced a recent fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at a nearby university, questioning whether recent events on Utah campuses contributed to his discomfort. ESPN later released a statement supporting McAfee’s safety concerns.

Social media users responded with memes and jokes, while the university and ESPN addressed the incident through formal statements.