A prominent Washington, D.C., sports radio voice is questioning both access and editorial direction ahead of one of golf’s most exclusive events. During Thursday’s episode of The Sports Junkies on 106.7 The Fan, host John “Cakes” Auville took aim at ESPN’s decision to feature Jason Kelce in its coverage of The Masters, while Pat McAfee’s show was again denied on-site access.
“Jason Kelce is being forced down our throats,” he said. “Why is Jason Kelce at the Masters all of a sudden? Is he really a fit? I try not to digest Jason Kelce as much as I can.”
Auville’s comments come as the decision to include Kelce in ESPN’s coverage of the annual golf major has received scrutiny. His comments also reflect a broader skepticism about how far the tournament is willing to stretch its traditionally buttoned-up presentation.
Auville suggested Kelce’s presence represents a noticeable departure from the event’s usual tone.
“I’m actually surprised that the uppity, green jacket-wearing people that call the shots there are allowing Jason Kelce to be doing it,” Auville said. “It seems a little out of character. He seems like an outsider. He’s not a golf insider.”
That critique quickly turned toward the power structure behind the scenes. Auville argued that Augusta National maintains firm control over who appears on broadcasts originating from its grounds in Augusta. Even with media partners as large as ESPN.
“The Masters can say we don’t want Jason Kelce on our broadcast. It’s that simple,” he said. “You think The Masters aren’t telling ESPN what to do for the most part? Who can and who cannot come in and broadcast on their golf course?”
That belief underscores a longstanding perception in media circles. Augusta National, which operates the tournament, has historically exercised tight control over presentation, access and branding. Still, Auville acknowledged one element of the situation that caught him off guard.
Despite Kelce’s larger-than-life personality, he was granted access, while Pat McAfee — known for a more unfiltered style — was not.
“I’m kind of surprised that Jason Kelce is there,” Auville said. “I’m not surprised they told Pat McAfee to go to hell because he has a little more of a wild guy reputation.”
He added that the contrast between the two personalities makes the decision harder to reconcile.
“Then again, Jason Kelce is kind of a wild man too,” Auville said. “So I’m a little surprised that he is going to be part of the broadcast, but Pat McAfee will not be.”
For Auville, the issue is not just about Kelce or McAfee. It is about consistency. As The Masters evolves, decisions like these will continue to draw scrutiny from voices across the industry.
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