Former Indianapolis Colts punter turned ESPN talk show host Pat McAfee issued an apology after using the term "white b***h" while attempting to defend Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark.
"I shouldn’t have used 'white b***h' as a descriptor of Caitlin Clark. No matter the context.. even if we’re talking about race being a reason for some of the stuff happening.. I have way too much respect for her and women to put that into the universe," McAfee wrote on his X account hours after Monday's (June 3) episode of the Pat McAfee Show. "My intentions when saying it were complimentary just like the entire segment but, a lot of folks are saying that it certainly wasn’t at all. That’s 100% on me and for that I apologize… I have sent an apology to Caitlin as well. Everything else I said… still alllllll facts. #Journalism #WNBAProgrum #SheIsTheOne."
McAfee, 37, who hosts his titular show from Indianapolis and has had Clark on as a featured guest since she was selected by the Fever at No. 1 overall in the WNBA Draft earlier this year, criticized WNBA officials for not protecting the former University of Iowa star from overaggressive opponents and how the media has covered the WNBA's "rookie class" credited for shifting the league's popularity.
"I would like the media people that continue to say, 'This rookie class, this rookie class, this rookie class'. Nah, just call it for what it is – there's one white b***h for the Indiana team who is a superstar," McAfee said.
"What the WNBA currently has is what we like to describe as a cash cow. There is a superstar," McAfee said prior to the comments. "And we're not saying that the players on the court need to act any differently. That's the athletes are going to do what the athletes are going to do in any sport. I think we're all learning, that the WNBA ... that's old-school football, baby."
McAfee has stirred controversy since his show, which still simulcasts live and unedited on YouTube, was picked up by ESPN last year, which included longtime friend and recurring guest, New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers, seemingly implying that ABC talk show host Jimmy Kimmel would be named in the documents related to late convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, which were proven false, as well as the titular host calling former ESPN executive Norby Williamson a "rat" and accusing him of trying to sabotage his program prior to Williamson's resignation in April.