The ESPN sports analyst has expressed regret for using an offensive term to describe the Indiana Fever point guard while discussing her impact on the WNBA.
- Jun 4, 2024
AceShowbiz - ESPN host Pat McAfee has apologized for referring to WNBA player Caitlin Clark as a "while b***h" during a segment on his show on Monday, June 3. McAfee took to social media to issue the apology after facing backlash for the remark, which was made in the context of a discussion about Clark's meteoric rise to stardom and the resurgence of the WNBA.
"I shouldn't have used 'white b***h' as a descriptor of Caitlin Clark," McAfee wrote on X (formerly Twitter). "No matter the context...even if we're talking about race being a reason for some of the stuff happening...I have way too much respect for her and women to put that into the universe."
McAfee explained that his intentions were complimentary but acknowledged that the term he used was offensive. "My intentions when saying it were complimentary just like the entire segment, but a lot of folks are saying that it certainly wasn't at all. That's 100% on me and for that I apologize," he added.
McAfee also noted that he had sent a personal apology to Clark. "Everything else I said...still alllllll facts," he wrote, referring to his arguments about Clark's impact on the WNBA.
McAfee's comments drew criticism from ESPN colleagues and others on social media, who called the remark unacceptable and inappropriate. ESPN analyst Kim Adams wrote, "This is just completely unacceptable," while former ESPN host Jemele Hill said, "Referring to Caitlin Clark as 'the b*tch for Indiana' is beyond being too comfortable. Just totally unacceptable."
The backlash follows a pattern of controversies involving McAfee and ESPN. Earlier this year, he faced criticism for allowing New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers to spread conspiracy theories on his show. McAfee also accused former ESPN executive Norby Williamson of sabotage, leading to Williamson's departure from the network.
Meanwhile, Clark has continued to shine for the Indiana Fever, earning WNBA Rookie of the Month honors for May. She has averaged 15.6 points, 6.4 assists and 5.1 rebounds in 11 games.
