Pat McAfee isn't buying the idea that his show is responsible for ESPN's latest round of layoffs.
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The ESPN personality addressed the criticism Tuesday after the network parted ways with several well-known on-air talents, including Ryan Clark, Cam Newton and longtime broadcaster Karl Ravech.
Some fans have pointed to reports that McAfee could land a lucrative new contract with ESPN, suggesting the money spent on his show has contributed to cuts elsewhere.
McAfee pushed back on that narrative.
"We hate any time this happens," McAfee said on The Pat McAfee Show. "Obviously this is terrible. We don't like that. But we are very honored that we are still partnered with ESPN and Disney for the good of sport and the future."
He also noted that this isn't the first time his show has been blamed when ESPN has reduced staff.
"The first time we licensed the show through ESPN, one of these happened, we got blamed," McAfee said. "This time, we're getting blamed as well."
McAfee added that he doesn't believe fans fully understand how large media companies budget for programming and personnel.
"There are billions and billions of dollars in these companies, and hard decisions have to get made," he said. "We don't like any of them, and we hope we're an asset to the company going forward."
The discussion took another turn when former NFL star J.J. Watt jokingly referenced reports about McAfee's next contract.
"Did they keep anybody? Or is everybody fired to pay you?" Watt quipped during his appearance on the show.
McAfee laughed off the remark but admitted he's been hearing that criticism frequently.
"That is the narrative, and I'm certainly taking it on the shins," he said. "The boys and I are very proud of the work that we have done."
