University of Utah apologizes to ESPN host Pat McAfee after student comments posted online

The University of Utah issued a public apology on Monday after a short video posted to its Instagram account featured a handful of students making disparaging remarks about ESPN host Pat McAfee during his recent visit to Salt Lake City. The clip, which has since been removed, included comments describing McAfee as "corny" and "creepy."

In a statement shared on social media, the university said it "sincerely apologizes for creating any perception that Pat was unsafe or unwelcome on our campus" and affirmed that McAfee and the ESPN GameDay crew are always welcome at the school.

McAfee addressed the incident on his radio program, noting that he was less bothered by the criticism itself than by the fact that the university had used its official platform to broadcast the remarks. > "One kid goes, ‘Ah, he’s corny.’ Another kid calls me creepy," he said. > "If these kids had posted this on their own blogs, all good. The university puts that out, and I’m walking in front of thousands of people. It’s an uncomfortable feeling."

He also referenced a recent shooting at Utah Valley University, questioning whether the incident might amplify negative sentiments toward him. McAfee is known for generating strong reactions in sports media.