ESPN personality and “College GameDay” commentator Pat McAfee did not enjoy his visit to the University of Utah last weekend. That seemed clear when McAfee ended the broadcast by saying, “I hope I never see you again.” But he confirmed it Monday during “The Pat McAfee Show.” “I’ve enjoyed this college football season, I didn’t enjoy the University of Utah. I didn’t enjoy it,” McAfee said. Because? A post from the official University of Utah Instagram account. “Right before I leave, I see that the university’s Instagram page… posted a video, ‘Can you do a Pat McAfee impression?’ “One kid says, ‘Oh, that’s corny,’ and another kid calls me ‘creepy.’ Well, if these kids had done this on their own blogs, all good. Everyone shoots me for everything. I understand. …Is the university posting that because I’m about to do an infomercial for the place? McAfee said. “It was just weird. It was just kind of weird.” In a statement, the University of Utah said: “Our goal during the visit was to create a joyful commitment regarding Pat’s return to campus, but we missed the mark. University staff are responsible for reviewing and posting content to official social media accounts and we take full responsibility for that decision.” (Rich Storry | ESPN Images) Pat McAfee during College GameDay at the University of Utah. McAfee was far from finished with its airing of complaints. He said it was an “uncomfortable feeling” to see the post and then walk out in front of a crowd. “I’m getting a lot of shrapnel from a lot of places,” he said. “The university is putting this out there. That’s something I’ve never experienced in my entire life. “It made me feel a little weird… And then I thought, ‘Has something really scary happened recently at a college reunion at Utah State?'” he said, referencing the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University last year. McAfee added, “I like what they’re doing on the football field, but I just didn’t appreciate the university amplifying itself in that way.” The university said school officials reached out to McAfee to “express appreciation and regret.” “We sincerely apologize for creating any perception that Pat was unsafe or unwelcome on our campus,” the U. said in a statement. “Nothing could be further from the truth. Pat and the entire ‘GameDay’ team are always welcome at the University of Utah and we deeply appreciate the opportunity ESPN provides to showcase our university and community.” McAfee said he was upset when the student chosen for the weekly “Kicking is Easy” contest wondered aloud why kicking wasn’t worth more money. “Wait, wait, wait. The BYU kid got $3 million,” the Utah student said before attempting, and failing, a $1 million kick. (Rich Storry | ESPN Images) Pat McAfee and Utah Utes head coach Morgan Scalley on the set of College GameDay Built by Home Depot at the University of Utah. As for the Instagram account, McAfee said he hadn’t looked into who had control of the account, but the whole thing didn’t leave him looking forward to a return trip to Salt Lake City. “I hope I never go to that place,” he said. “I think I get COVID or something every time ‘GameDay’ comes back if I’m still a part of ‘GameDay.'” That could end any hope of the pregame show coming to the BYU-Utah game on Nov. 7. “I walked up to that set and said, ‘I think I hate this place. I think I hate this place,'” he said. “But their football team… is good at football. Really, very good at football. But I couldn’t wait to get out of there. See you. Bye bye. I’m out of here.” Access to sltrib.com is now free, no subscription required. We made this decision because we believe access to trusted, independent news shouldn’t depend on what you can pay, especially as misinformation and AI-generated content continue to rise. Reading for free doesn’t mean producing for free. Our reporters show up every day to ask tough questions and hold powerful institutions to account. That work takes resources. As a nonprofit newsroom, we’re supported by people who believe it’s worth it. important. Donate today to fund local news that serves Utah communities. You can help us bring more local news to more communities today.
