Pat McAfee and Stephen A. Smith clash over ESPN project on a fiery phone call

Pat McAfee reportedly called Smith a 'motherf**er' on the phone.

Pat McAfee and Stephen A. Smith clash over ESPN project on a fiery phone call

Pat McAfee and Stephen A. Smith (Via Imago/ X)

Trouble brewing inside ESPN? Two of the top sports personalities at one of the biggest sports networks are reportedly clashing. Pat McAfee and Stephen A. Smith reportedly have different creative opinions, which led to a fiery clash between the two.

According to a recent report from The New York Post, tempers flared during an explosive argument in a phone call between Smith and McAfee. A private conversation between the two escalated to an intense and heated clash, which eventually resulted in McAfee calling Smith a “motherf**er.”

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The difference reportedly arose due to a difference in creative opinions in a yet-to-be-announced new show produced by Smith through his production company, Mr. SAS Productions. The show is set to ultimately air on the ESPN network.

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Furthermore, as a result of the clash, Smith has even reportedly banned McAfee from making appearances on his First Take. McAfee previously appeared as a recurring guest on the show during the 2023 NFL season and was expected to continue his role during the 2024 season. But, it seems like he won’t be joining the show again anytime soon.

Ever since McAfee joined ESPN, he has been involved in a lot of beef with the people inside the network. He recently accused some of the top executives in the network of sabotaging his show from inside. And now, he is seemingly having an issue with arguably the top sports personality in the network.

The clash between the two has become the talking point among NFL enthusiasts on social media. Many people took sides without even knowing the full story. Nonetheless, according to a recent report from The Post, both people have said that they have settled their differences between them. 

I have nothing but love for Stephen A. 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.
Pat McAfee told The Post

Stephen A. Smith refutes reports about banning Pat McAfee from First Take

Just like McAfee, the First Take host Stephen A. Smith has also said that they have settled their beef. Furthermore, Smith also refuted claims about banning McAfee from his show.

Fans cannot seem to digest that Stephen A. Smith could earn more than players in their prime
Stephen A. Smith (image via Imago)
Pat McAfee and I have no issue and the notion that he’d be banned from ‘First Take’ is B.S. 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 he came on the air.
Stephen A. Smith said

So, it seems like they have settled their difference and will work together in the future again. However, fans now wonder how long can McAfee stay with ESPN if he keeps picking up fights with the network’s top talents.

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