Pat McAfee and Caitlin ClarkPat McAfee and Caitlin Clark (Photos via Getty Images)
Pat McAfee explained his reasoning for calling Caitlin Clark a “White B-” during his show this week.

The outspoken ESPN personality is still reeling from the backlash generated by his ill-advised comment on Monday but has wasted little time trying to explain it to everyone.

McAfee began Tuesday’s ‘The Pat McAfee Show‘ by apologizing to everyone offended by his remarks, revealing that he had personally reached out to Clark to say he was sorry and that they were moving forward.

He said he used a regrettable descriptor in reference to the Indiana Fever rookie and was simply complimenting her impact on women’s basketball and the WNBA.

“I utilized a descriptor that I certainly should not have used. …I utilized the words ‘white B-‘ to describe Caitlin Clark as the superstar in Indiana. Now, when I was saying it, I legitimately meant it in a complimentary fashion,” he said.

 

Pat McAfee Divides Fans With His Apology

“I did reach out to Caitlin Clark through the Fever PR, sent an apology, and then got a message back that she said it was all good, no blood, we move forward, and she appreciates us reaching out and apologizing,” the former punter added.

“Caitlin saying it’s OK doesn’t mean she wanted the added heat or attention,” a fan wrote in response. “What is she supposed to do? Start an even higher culture war right now? Had Fever season tix for 22 years. Saw you at a game ONCE! Get off the bandwagon. You’re not helping.”

“Shocking!! People feelings are hurt…. Get a grip people, if Caitlin is good then everyone should be good! Lighten up ppl….. McAfee, you’re the man!!” another said, disagreeing.

The apology wasn’t enough for some fans, while others were fine with it.

Another section didn’t feel there was a need for one in the first place.

Pat McAfee, though, clearly felt the need to retract his comment and admitted to feeling terrible after hearing what some people had to say.

VIDEO: Pat McAfee May Have Finally Crossed The Line With ESPN After Calling Caitlin Clark A Shocking Derogatory Name On Live TV

Pat McAfee speaking about Caitlin ClarkPat McAfee (Photo via @awfulannouncing/Twitter)
Pat McAfee may have finally crossed the line at ESPN after calling Caitlin Clark something very unexpected, although Chennedy Carter called her something very close to that over the weekend.

McAfee was discussing Clark’s impact on the WNBA and was not criticizing the Indiana Fever rookie but still ended up branding her a “White B-.”

Interest in WNBA basketball has ramped up mostly due to Clark’s arrival, and Pat was calling other members of the media out for pretending as if the entire 2024 rookie class is responsible for all the new fans the women’s league has attracted this year.

“I would like the media people that continue to say, ‘This rookie class, this rookie class, this rookie class.’ Nah, just call it for what it is — there’s one white B- for the Indiana team who is a superstar,” he said on ‘The Pat McAfee Show’ on Monday.

We didn’t believe it either, but check out the video below:

“why speak on caitlin clark or any young woman in the wnba this way?????” one fan asked.

“Only a white man can do what he just did,” another said.

“Pat actively trying to get ESPN to let him go at this point so he can go solo again,” another observed.

“Pat doing everything he can to get fired,” another comment read.

Caitlin Clark Can’t Catch A Break

Of course, we get his point. That isn’t to say that we agree with it, but was calling her such a name really necessary?

We also get who Pat McAfee is. The man says the wildest things imaginable for a living. But Caitlin Clark will feel like she can’t catch a break.

After winning two of her first 11 games in the WNBA on the back of a second straight national championship disappointment, multiple cheap shots, and endless criticism, she would expect someone praising her impact in the media to at least not call her a “White B-,” right?