Tensions between Pat McAfee and ESPN escalated this week, as the host accused Norby Williamson, ESPN’s Head of Event and Studio Production, of attempting to sabotage “The Pat McAfee Show” from within the network. McAfee alleged that wrong information about the show’s ratings was leaked ahead of the official release, leading to a false narrative.
He specifically pointed to Williamson as the source of the leaked information and claimed that there are individuals within ESPN actively trying to undermine the show.
McAfee also shared his personal dislike for Williamson, recounting an incident in 2018 when Williamson ghosted him during a scheduled meeting. Despite the in-house feuding and potential executive interference, McAfee emphasized the show’s growth, citing its status as the biggest podcast in Disney history and strong performance on YouTube and TikTok.
“There are some people actively trying to sabotage us from within ESPN,” he said, “more specifically, I believe Norby Williamson is the guy who is attempting to sabotage our program. I’m not 100 percent sure, that’s just seemingly the only human that has information, and then somehow that information gets leaked, and it’s wrong.”
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The controversy adds to the recent divide between McAfee and ESPN, following a contentious interview with Aaron Rodgers. The situation raises questions about potential consequences for McAfee’s on-air accusations against an ESPN executive.
The host seems undeterred, emphasizing his show’s success and support from high-profile figures within the company.
