ESPN Host: Utah social media post led to online death threats

Pat McAfee shared a detailed account of the online backlash he faced following a recent appearance in Utah. The ESPN personality posted a long message on X on Wednesday night. He included screenshots of direct messages and comments he received. The post addressed the period immediately following a College GameDay broadcast at the University of Utah.

McAfee said he had avoided checking his social media mentions and direct messages for a month. He noted that the activity had been intense over two consecutive days. He stated he expected to find wishes for death and threats against him if he returned to those feeds.

The controversy began after a College GameDay show aired on Saturday. The broadcast took place on the University of Utah campus. The university posted a social media video that mocked McAfee before the show. McAfee said the clip made him feel uncomfortable and unsafe. He described the experience as the most unpleasant moment he has had walking in front of a crowd after seeing such a post.

McAfee criticized the university for releasing the video while he was preparing to promote the school. He stated he did not enjoy his time at the institution. The university deleted the post and issued an apology. Staff members took full accountability for the decision. The statement said the goal was lighthearted engagement but that the school missed the mark.

McAfee said the criticism has been difficult because it extended to his family. He wrote that comments regarding what his wife and children deserved were wild. He highlighted the personal nature of the online attacks. The former NFL punter said he is trying his best in real time to manage the situation.

McAfee also clarified reports regarding his security during a September visit to the University of Tennessee. This visit occurred days after the assassination of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. McAfee referenced the event during his Monday show. He asked if a similar event had recently happened at a college gathering in Utah.

He described the security setup in September as surreal. The FBI, Disney security, state and local police, and campus police all coordinated efforts. He recalled a heavy police presence that included FBI snipers. He noted that the discussion of death threats was a major part of the security planning.

McAfee clarified that the FBI did not specifically recommend he wear a bulletproof vest. He said the idea was presented by one of the other security groups involved. He said he felt safer and more appreciative of the people around him that morning than ever before.

The host addressed past controversies, including his comments about Algerian boxer Imane Khelif during the 2024 Paris Olympics. He argued that some media coverage omitted the empathetic parts of his statements. This omission contributed to the backlash he has faced. He said he is grateful for his career and the opportunities sports have provided.

McAfee stated he is there to talk about sports and care about their future. He said he owes everything to the industry. He closed his post by saying he loves sports because they are unifying. He described this as the only role he is ever trying to fill.