Pat McAfee is not holding back after his visit to Utah, and his comments have sparked a debate about college football’s biggest pregame show.
The ESPN personality criticized the University of Utah after Saturday’s College GameDay broadcast in Salt Lake City. McAfee took issue with a university social media video featuring students imitating him, including one who called him “corny” and another who called him “creepy.”
McAfee said he had no problem with students making jokes on their own accounts. His frustration centered on the university’s official account posting the video shortly before he appeared on national television to promote the school.
The post has since been deleted.
McAfee also criticized an awkward moment during his kicking contest, when a student questioned why the prize was smaller than the amount offered during a previous broadcast.
On Monday, McAfee made clear that the experience left him unwilling to return. He also acknowledged that Utah’s football team is playing well, separating his complaints about the visit from his opinion of the program.
The controversy raises a bigger question about College GameDay. Should universities be able to joke about the personalities who visit their campuses, or should official accounts show more restraint when those personalities are there to promote the school?
McAfee has built a career around being outspoken and entertaining. Some fans will see his reaction as justified, while others will argue that he is taking a joke too personally.
Who is right here: McAfee for calling out the university, or Utah for letting students poke fun at a national TV personality?
