Aaron Rodgers is done as a guest on Pat McAfee’s ESPN show for the remainder of the NFL season, following a series of controversial remarks made by the Green Bay Packers quarterback.
McAfee announced the decision on his show Wednesday, citing Rodgers’ recent behavior as the reason for ending his regular Tuesday appearances on the program. This decision comes in the wake of Rodgers’ false suggestion that Jimmy Kimmel could be linked to convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein and spreading misinformation and conspiracy theories. The remarks prompted backlash as they were made on ESPN, which is owned by Disney, where Kimmel is one of the brightest stars.
After Rodgers declined to apologize for his comments and continued to deliver conspiratorial monologues spreading medical misinformation, McAfee apologized for his role in the matter but Rodgers did not. This prompted speculation as to whether Disney’s chief executive, Bob Iger, would intervene, as reputable media organizations do not allow guests to spread medical misinformation unchecked.
McAfee, who has a friendly relationship with Rodgers and pays him seven figures to appear on his show, expressed relief that the controversy that has come with Rodgers’ appearances would no longer be a part of the program. He stated that he was “happy” to move on from the situation and left the door open for Rodgers to return to the show in the future.
The decision to end Rodgers’ regular Tuesday appearances was made due to his behavior rather than the conclusion of the regular NFL season, according to a person familiar with the matter. ESPN declined to comment on the announcement.
The controversy surrounding Rodgers’ appearances on McAfee’s show has stirred public debate and prompted Kimmel to address the matter on his late-night show. As Rodgers’ behavior continued to escalate, it became clear to McAfee that the situation would come with the territory of his show.
It remains to be seen whether Rodgers will choose to return as a guest on McAfee’s program in the future, but for now, his appearances have come to an end for the remainder of the NFL season.