Over the last few hours, the controversy involving Pat McAfee and Caitlin Clark prompted an endless buzz on social media. The drama began on Monday after the sports analyst referred to Clark as a “White B***h” during his show. Although the 37-year-old meant to compliment the WNBA star, fans couldn’t overlook the pejorative term. They took to various social media platforms to bash McAfee for using what they believed was a racial term. In the wake of the controversy, McAfee apologized for his actions. In Pat McAfee’s apology, he explained the intent behind the term, noting that it was taken out of context.
The latest episode of The Pat McAfee Show landed McAfee in hot water. On Monday, Pat McAfee and Caitlin Clark landed in the news after the former referred to Clark as a white b***h. McAfee used the term while arguing the basketball player was the sole reason behind the rising popularity of the WNBA. “What we’re trying to say is, what the WNBA currently has is what we like to describe as a cash cow. There is a superstar. But I would like the media people that continue to say, ‘This rookie class, this rookie class.’ Nah, just call it for what it is. There is one white b***h for the Indiana team who is a superstar,” he said.
McAfee then proceeded to address claims that the 22-year-old’s race played a part in her success. He rhetorically questioned if people enjoyed watching Clark play because of what she stood for or how electrifying she was. “Maybe. But instead, we have to hear people say we only like her because she’s white, and she’s only popular because the rest of the rookie class is doing what they’re doing,” McAfee noted. He then called claims that Clark’s race was what set her apart as “a bunch of bulls**t.” Overall, McAfee described the young star as special, adding that fans were lucky she was in Indiana.
Although McAfee aimed at complimenting Clark with his remarks, addressing her as a “white b***h” earned him a ton of criticism. Many noted it was unacceptable and called for ESPN to address the situation. Amid the backlash, McAfee took to X on Monday to issue an apology. “I shouldn’t have used ‘white b***h as a descriptor of Caitlin Clark. No matter the context…even if we’re talking about race being a reason for some stuff happening,” Pat McAfee’s apology began. He noted that he had a lot of respect for Clark and women to “put that into the universe.”
McAfee also explained that his intentions were complimentary, just like the entire segment. However, many were convinced it was the opposite. “That’s 100% on me and for that I apologize,” he said. McAfee said he had sent a private apology to Clark. He concluded his message by defending his original sentiment about the star and the WNBA. “Everything else I said…still allllll facts,” he wrote. In the meantime, Clark has yet to respond to Pat McAfee’s apology.
