Is All Forgiven After ESPN Stars Pat McAfee & Stephen A. Smith Get In Major Argument Over Confidential Project?

ESPN personalities Pat McAfee and Stephen A. Smith got in an on-air spat over a confidential project that they had been working on. The fight persisted on until McAfee called Smith a “motherf**ker.”

The argument was born out of differences concerning a project that Smith is producing (via his own production company) and will ultimately air on ESPN.

According to The NY Post, following the confrontation, McAfee has been banned from appearing on First Take by Smith. McAfee was supposed to have weekly Tuesday appearances during the football season, but after the fight, may not be allowed to participate in the program at all.

There have been rumors that the two have settled their differences amicably off-screen, but there are no updates on McAfee’s screen time appearances yet. He seems to be hopeful of his return in the coming season.

“I have nothing but love for Stephen A., I think I’m still welcome on First Take?” McAfee informed The NY Post via text. “I was scheduled through football season to join on Tuesdays, hopefully next year that’ll happen as well.”

Smith commented on the “nonsense” saying, “If McAfee wants to be on ‘First Take’ next season, he will be on First Take. I love winners and McAFee has proven he wins  — which helps ME win. I don’t know how many times I have to tell folks that he’s trail-blazed a path into a new era for so many of us. I’m grateful to have him as a part of my team and the ESPN Family. And I’m looking forward to having him on for years to come. I sincerely hope that I will not have to repeat myself on this nonsense again!”

He also stated on Bussin’ With The Boys podcast on Barstool saying, “I love Pat McAfee, love him to death. I love his swag; I love the fact that he’s an honest brother. He don’t give a s**t … That’s my kind of dude,” Smith said. “That works for me. Now, is he as polished politically as me? Nope, because he has no desire to be number one. And number two, if we’re being honest, he’s white, and I’m black; he doesn’t have to be. I had to be. So I get all that, and I’m not knocking him for it.”

Smith addressed the racially charged comments in his podcast later.

Recently, McAfee signed a deal to license his show for 5 years with ESPN. The deal is thought to make him $85 million. Smith offered supportive comments about the show and the deal.

McAfee carries himself in a way that is “stone cold” and not respectful of authority which earns him the not so warm-and-fuzzy reputation that he holds today.