In a recent Twitter exchange, sports media superstar Pat McAfee found himself in hot water after making a joke referencing disgraced sports doctor Larry Nassar while discussing Michigan State’s football uniforms.
The incident occurred when one of McAfee’s producers commented on the Spartans vibrant green uniforms with “STATE” emblazoned across the chest.
In response, the former Indianapolis Colts punter, known for ultra-popular sports show and major brand, made a joke, suggesting Nassar’s involvement in the uniform design team.
McAfee tweeted: “I think Nassar was in on the design team actually.”
I think Nassar was in on the design team actually
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) July 30, 2023
The backlash came swiftly on social media, with users expressing outrage over what some felt was an insensitive joke, considering Nassar’s heinous actions and the impact they had on numerous victims.
One person even warned McAfee to delete the tweet, to which he responded with a dismissive GIF, asking, “For what? For what?”
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) July 30, 2023
Nassar is a former sports doctor who was sentenced to decades in prison for sexually assaulting gymnasts, including Olympic medalists, during his tenure at Michigan State University and USA Gymnastics. He also faced charges related to possessing child pornography.
During victim impact statements in 2019, numerous athletes spoke out, revealing that they had informed coaches, trainers, and other adults about Nassar’s abuse over the years, but it went unreported, allowing the abuse to continue unchecked.
ESPN, the network that recently hired McAfee, has declined to comment on the situation thus far.
Notably, in May of this year, ESPN awarded the Arthur Ashe Courage Award to the survivors of Nassar’s assaults, highlighting the seriousness of the issue and the importance of supporting the victims.
In the aftermath of Nassar’s trial, more than 150 victims spoke or submitted statements during the seven-day hearing, including gymnast Simone Biles. The survivors sought more than $1 billion from the federal government due to the FBI’s failure to intervene when they became aware of the allegations against Nassar in 2015.
Last month, the Michigan Supreme Court rejected a final appeal from Nassar, with his attorneys arguing that he was treated unfairly in 2018 and deserved a new hearing based on the judge’s remarks, which included calling him a “monster.”
Despite concerns over the judge’s conduct, the court upheld the sentencing agreement reached by the lawyers on the case, citing that further judicial resources would not serve the victims or bring about any meaningful change.
Earlier this month, Nassar was stabbed at least six times, allegedly by another prison inmate after Nassar reportedly made a comment about female tennis players.
As the backlash against McAfee continues on social media, it remains to be seen how ESPN will handle the situation and whether there will be any further comment or repercussions for his remarks.