With the beginning of the season just a little greater than two months away, Pat McAfee stays unsigned with ESPN’s “School GameDay,” sources briefed on McAfee’s contract talks informed The Athletic.
McAfee, the 37-year-old discuss present host, wrestling analyst and firebrand, mentioned late final yr that he would return to this system, however a deal to make that official continues to be not accomplished. McAfee has a separate contract that permits ESPN to license his each day “The Pat McAfee Present” on its community and YouTube.
ESPN declined to remark, whereas McAfee didn’t return messages.
“GameDay” can have a brand new look this upcoming season with the addition of Nick Saban, who retired from teaching after final season. Saban will be a part of host Rece Davis, Desmond Howard, Kirk Herbstreit, Lee Corso and presumably McAfee.
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McAfee has been on “GameDay” for the higher a part of two seasons. Earlier than this run, he made some visitor appearances in earlier years.
Final October, McAfee indicated that he may go away “GameDay” after the season.
“I’ve heard you all very loud and clear for the reason that starting of my stint with ‘GameDay,’” McAfee wrote on X, reacting to a survey finished by The Athletic during which almost half of the three,100 responses mentioned they didn’t look after McAfee on this system. “It’s one of many greatest the reason why I’ve not re-signed a contract with the legendary present.
“I’m not proper for some crowds and the ‘distinguished’ School Soccer of us are undoubtedly a kind of. Excited to take pleasure in the remainder of this yr, that’s shaping as much as be a GREAT one, after which see what the long run holds.”
Herbstreit informed McAfee on his program final yr that if McAfee didn’t return to “GameDay” then Herbstreit, too, would depart this system. He added he was “useless critical” on the time.
“GameDay” is taken into account one of the iconic studio reveals in sports activities tv historical past and nonetheless wins its rankings battle with Fox’s “Huge Midday Kickoff” however Fox has supplied competitors after many years of ESPN dominating.
McAfee has develop into a central a part of the present. The 2 sides are working towards a deal, however nothing has been signed but.
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(Picture: Maddie Meyer / Getty Pictures)
