WWE Raw’s Pat McAfee and Stephen A. Smith have seemingly patched things up following a heated exchange between the two.
The New York Post reports that things got heated during a private conversation between the pair from several weeks ago which was described as an “explosive argument.” Things escalated to the point that McAfee branded Smith a “motherf****r.” The Post adds that following the spat, Smith banned McAfee from his ‘First Take’ show on ESPN.
Source of the Issue
Their issues arose from creative differences involving a yet-to-be-announced project that Stephen A. Smith is executive producing. The show will be produced by Mr. SAS Productions and will air on ESPN. A specific airdate is not known at this time.
Issues Quashed
Both sides have told the New York Post that their animosity has been resolved. In a text message, McAfee said that he was unaware of any ban.
“I think I’m still welcome on ‘First Take’? I was scheduled through football season to join on Tuesdays, hopefully next year that’ll happen as well.”
Smith similarly made clear the positive impact McAfee has had on First Take thanks to his experience as a football star.
“We are No.1 and he has absolutely contributed to us remaining No.1. McAfee was asked to come on each Tuesday through the Super Bowl and he did just that, kicking ass each time.”
Pat McAfee and ESPN
This is hardly the first time that McAfee’s name has been at the center of controversy for ESPN. In January, McAfee claimed that Norby Williamson had been sabotaging his show and went as far as to call the ESPN executive a “rat.” Days later, ESPN responded said that Williamson was committed to making the show a success.