Pat McAfee Rips Utah Over Post Before $1 Million Contest, Citing Charlie Kirk Shooting
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Oct 27
Pat McAfee Rips Utah Over Post Before $1 Million Contest, Citing Charlie Kirk Shooting
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Oct 27
Summary
Pat McAfee said a University of Utah Instagram video made him feel "very, very uncomfortable" before Saturday’s "College GameDay" broadcast in Salt Lake City.
The removed post asked students to imitate him and included comments calling him "corny" and "creepy," which McAfee said felt different because the university itself published it as he prepared to promote the school.
McAfee linked that discomfort to security concerns, twice invoking the September 2025 killing of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University about 40 miles away and questioning whether Utah should amplify hostility toward him.
The University of Utah apologized on Instagram, said staff took full responsibility, and said it had contacted McAfee to express regret and stress that he and ESPN’s crew remain welcome after seven previous visits.
McAfee also blasted a student who asked why his on-air kicking contest paid "only $1 million," then said he hopes he never has to return, even as he praised Utah’s team, student section and fans after the 21-13 win over Houston.