“ESPN Wasting Money on Pat McAfee”: ESPN’s Massive Eight Figure Deal Draws Harsh Criticism From Fans for One Specific Reason

ESPN’s layoffs are in full swing. The parent company, Disney, has decided to take up some cost-cutting approaches owing to which many ESPN veterans are expected to lose their jobs. The job layoffs are said to include some on-air talent and management, however, the people whose jobs these layoffs will engulf are still not known. However, amidst all this, they have made one choice which is not taken in a very positive light by fans.

Despite letting go of top-tier “talent” — which is what the media industry calls on-air personalities in front of the camera — ESPN has continued adding several noteworthy names to their ranks, with Aaron Rodgers‘ favorite podcast host taking up a pivotal spot.

Fans are angry with ESPN, not Pat McAfee

Ever since his retirement from the NFL, Pat McAfee has emerged as a trusted source in the NFL world. His marquee series, ‘The Pat McAfee Show’ continues to give a glimpse into the daily happenings in the NFL community and ESPN wanted some of that.

The Pat McAfee Show has found a new haven with ESPN. Recently Pat McAfee strode onto a stage and declared, “My show, my guys and I, will be joining the ESPN universe.”

Despite McAfee having arguably taken the biggest decision of his media career, fans could not get past the fact ESPN just waved goodbye to some of their most respected names. Disney is set to rip away the livelihoods of close to 7000 employees over three rounds, and yet they are dealing with hefty contracts. Needless to say, fans took to Twitter to share their outrage.

Read More: Hours Before Real Show, Pat McAfee Turns Social Media into Laughing Club With Hilarious Tweet on Experienced Co-Host

One fan had to point out the double standard, “Love that the NFL had layoffs immediately following a $110m deal for a SINGLE game. Also love that ESPN had layoffs after hiring Pat McAfee for 8 figures.”

While another felt that ESPN was throwing money away, “Espn wasting money on pat mcAfee and stephen a smith amid layoffs is one of the reasons I don’t watch espn anymore. Dumb moves”

One particular fan that ESPN’s latest move was a bad look.

While another felt that ESPN was using their money to good use.

While another added.

Fans continued voicing their disliking of McAfee aligning with ESPN, and maybe they will feel more outraged if McAfee’s contract got leaked.

Changes are in order

Pat McAfee has moved on to a different chapter of his media career. McAfee’s four-year, $120 million contract with FanDuel came to a premature conclusion as he decided to walk away in just his second year. ESPN reportedly offered McAfee a deal of “more than eight figures per year.”

Despite the change, McAfee is familiar with ESPN, being a regular analyst with ‘College GameDay’. The ESPN folks are also looking to make McAfee’s daily podcast available on TV, its app, and its YouTube channel simultaneously.

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Despite ESPN’s formal outlook, McAfee assured fans that the show will not lose its authenticity and that they “ain’t changing a damn thing,“. With McAfee changing allegiances, ESPN has also acquired another noteworthy talent, and hopefully, many more are to follow.