Pat McAfee is pushing back against criticism that his expensive ESPN deal is contributing to the network's latest round of layoffs.
According to the New York Post, McAfee addressed the backlash Tuesday after ESPN reportedly cut several prominent employees, including former NFL stars Ryan Clark and Cam Newton, along with longtime baseball broadcaster Karl Ravech.
The former NFL punter said his show has been blamed for ESPN layoffs in the past and is facing similar criticism again.
Reports have also indicated McAfee is in talks with ESPN on a new contract that could be worth as much as $65 million per year.
“We hate any time this happens. Obviously this is terrible. We don’t like that,” McAfee said Tuesday. “But we are very honored that we are still partnered with ESPN and Disney for the good of sport and the future.”
McAfee acknowledged that some critics believe the money ESPN pays to license "The Pat McAfee Show" comes at the expense of other employees.
“The first time we licensed the show through ESPN, one of these happened, we got blamed,” McAfee said.
He argued that the network's financial decisions are more complicated than simply pointing to his show's licensing agreement.
“I feel like you don’t fully understand budgets and where things are coming from, but I do appreciate that,” McAfee said. “This time, we’re getting blamed as well. Which I guess I can understand, but I mean, there’s billions and billions of dollars in these companies, and hard decisions have to get made.”
McAfee added that he and his staff hope to remain an asset to ESPN as the network moves forward.
During Tuesday's show, former NFL star J.J. Watt also joked about McAfee's reported contract while discussing the layoffs.
“Besides the fact that you’re getting $100 million… Did they keep anybody? Or is everybody fired to pay you? I’m trying to figure that out,” Watt said.
McAfee did not appear amused by the comments, saying he was tired of hearing the same narrative.
“We do not appreciate that,” McAfee responded. “That is the narrative, and I’m certainly taking it on the shins.”
McAfee then defended the work produced by his team before thanking viewers and supporters.