ESPN big shots Stephen A. Smith and Pat McAfee have responded following reports of an internal bust-up between them.
The New York Post published a report this week claiming the ‘First Take’ host got into a heated argument with the former NFL kicker.
The verbal spat reportedly stemmed from creative differences over a new ESPN project Stephen A. is set to produce for the network. And things are said to have escalated to the point where McAfee called Smith a “mother F- er.”
Such a feud could spell trouble for The Worldwide Leader in Sports as Smith and McAfee are both huge draws with even bigger egos. They’re also two of the highest-paid personalities in sports media.
Fortunately, it’s all water under the bridge, at least according to the parties involved as they have told the post that the situation has been diffused, with both of them denying that McAfee is banned from ‘First Take’ as has been reported.
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“I have nothing but love for Stephen A. I think I’m still welcome on ‘First Take’? I was scheduled through football season to join on Tuesdays, hopefully next year that’ll happen as well,” Pat told the publication via text.
“Pat McAfee and I have no issue and the notion that he’d be banned from ‘First Take’ is B.S,” Smith wrote in an email.
It continues:
“We are No.1 and he has absolutely contributed to us remaining No.1. McAfee was asked to come on each Tuesday through the Super Bowl and he did just that, kicking ass each time he came on the air.
“If McAfee wants to be on ‘First Take’ next season, he will be on ‘First Take’. I love winners and McAfee has proven he wins — which helps ME win. I don’t know how many times I have to tell folks that he’s trail-blazed a path into a new era for so many of us. I’m grateful to have him as a part of my team and the ESPN Family. And I’m looking forward to having him on for years to come. I sincerely hope that I will not have to repeat myself on this nonsense again!”
Well, it appears all is well behind the scenes. Still, we’ll wait on NFL Tuesdays just to be sure.
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