Pat McAfee took time on his nationally syndicated ESPN program this week to issue a heartfelt and direct apology to Mary Kate Cornett and her family, acknowledging his show’s role in amplifying a false internet rumor earlier this year. Back on February 26, during coverage of the NFL Draft Combine, The Pat McAfee Show discussed a story that had gone viral involving a Mississippi college student. That story, later proven false, involved Cornett and circulated widely on social media platforms.
McAfee, speaking candidly, said that he had the opportunity to meet Cornett and her family to apologize in person. He admitted that his team “had no personal knowledge” of Cornett or her life, and that they relied entirely on online speculation and prior media coverage without verifying the facts.
“I have since learned that the story was not true and that my show played a role in the anguish caused to a great family—especially to a young woman, Mary Kate Cornett,” McAfee said. “As a girl dad, I also was very thankful for the opportunity to let Mr. Cornett know that I was wildly regretful for the part that our show played in his daughter Mary Kate’s pain.”
The former NFL punter turned sports media star explained that his delay in publicly addressing the matter was intentional. He said he prioritized speaking privately with the Cornett family before making any public statement.
“The most important element on the timing is—I personally, a decision that I made—wanted to talk to the family first before addressing it publicly,” McAfee said. “I can now say that I had the opportunity to meet them, chat with them. They’re wonderful people, and I’m very thankful they gave me the opportunity to tell them how sorry I was.”
McAfee stressed that his program’s intent has always been to entertain and uplift—not to harm.
“I deeply regret the pain that was caused. I hated watching what our show was a part of,” McAfee said. “And my hope is that this can be something we all learn from going forward. I know we certainly have.”
While McAfee did not detail whether legal action had ever been considered or threatened, his tone made clear that the emotional damage done to the Cornett family was not taken lightly. His apology closed with gratitude and a call for growth.
“Our goal with this show is to make the world a happier place, a better place, to celebrate life and sports and to unify folks,” he added. “I and we don’t always get it right, but we’ll never stop trying.”
The apology Wednesday is the first time McAfee has referenced the show’s remarks since the ‘Big Night Aht’ event in April.
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.
Too late tank top lung head. You already ran out there and blurted it without a shred of evidence.
How in the world can this be described as heartfelt? They brought in a prompter for him to read off of. He’s reading a pre-written statement, and chances are it wasn’t written by him. Pathetic. Just like his show always is.
This sounds so fake. And late. I don’t buy it. Pathetic. He is doing this only because of backlash. Cesspool sports.
And “girl dad” thing? Give me a break. That just amplifies his hypocrisy.
A “Girl Dad” wouldn’t even think of pulling the crap that he did.