Earlier this year, ESPN's Pat McAfee once again found himself in hot water following comments he made about an Ole Miss student, Mary Kate Cornett. McAfee poured gasoline on the fire that was a rumor about Cornett sleeping with her boyfriend's father, which has since been proven untrue.
Cornett's life was thrust into the spotlight for the scandalous rumor, and she has since repeatedly said that it "derailed" her life. Cornett's family threatened McAfee with legal action over the unfounded rumors and the ESPN celebrity giving the claims a national platform.
Now, McAfee has issued a new apology, highlighting the fact that he, a girl dad himself, is extremely grateful for the grace that Cornett's family has shown him over the last few months.
"I was very thankful for the opportunity to let Mr. Cornett know that I was wildly regretful for the part that our show played in his daughter, Mary Kate's, pain," McAfee said. "I deeply regret the pain that was caused. I hated watching what our show was a part of in her interviews.
"As a Girl Dad, I was very thankful for the opportunity to let Mr. Cornett know that I was wildly regretful for the part that our show played in his daughter, Mary Kate's, pain." - Pat McAfee apologizing for sharing a false rumor about an 18-year-old Ole Miss student on his show. pic.twitter.com/pdFhAeWkAX
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) July 23, 2025
"Thank you to the Cornetts for allowing me to introduce myself... and let you know I am so sorry that we were part of this portion, in story, in chapter, of your family's life."
McAfee is continuously getting blasted on social media for his hot takes and often crude personality on television. From stripping off his shirt during ESPN's College GameDay to talking about topics like Cornett's personal life, which had nothing to do with football, he certainly isn't for everyone.
However, the apology seemed to be genuine, and the understanding that one father can gain from another appears to have shown McAfee the light when it comes to this situation.
McAfee is set to return to College GameDay this season, alongside Nick Saban, Rece Davis, Desmond Howard, and Kirk Herbtreit. Lee Corso, lovingly referred to as "Coach," is going to make his final appearance on the show during Week 1 at the Texas versus Ohio State game.