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Pat McAfee University of Utah controversy

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2026-10-29 07:45 UTC → 2026-10-29 08:38 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The University of Utah issued a formal apology to ESPN personality Pat McAfee following a social media incident during a ‘College GameDay’ broadcast. The controversy involved the university’s official Instagram account sharing a video of students performing impressions of McAfee, using labels such as ‘corny’ and ‘creepy’. McAfee expressed that the university’s decision to amplify the mockery on its official platform felt like an ‘endorsement of hostility’ and made him feel unsafe. In subsequent statements, McAfee claimed the FBI had previously advised him to wear a bulletproof vest, drawing a comparison between his discomfort and the 2025 assassination of activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. He noted that the university’s social media content amplified negative sentiments at a time of heightened personal security concerns. Following the backlash and subsequent death threats received on social media, McAfee stated he has increased security measures involving the FBI and local police departments to protect his crew and fans. ESPN has expressed support for McAfee, stating that the safety of their crew and fans remains a top priority. The University of Utah has since taken “full accountability” for the video, which has been deleted.

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