Pat McAfee lands in hot water again after airing false rumor about Ole Miss student sparking heavy outrage

Pat McAfee, the energetic sports commentator known for his brash humor and viral takes, is once again at the center of a storm — this time, over a damaging rumor he shared on his show about a 19-year-old Ole Miss student. While the former NFL punter turned broadcaster has built his brand on comedy and commentary, critics argue he's crossed a dangerous line.

A viral clip, a false rumor, and a life upended

Five weeks ago, Mary Kate Cornett was a first-year business major dating another Ole Miss student.

Then a spurious claim about her and her boyfriend’s father spread — and was amplified by Pat McAfee, Barstool personalities and others.

— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) April 1, 2025

It all began on February 26th, when Pat McAfee posted a short clip to X (formerly Twitter) featuring a story he claimed was circulating online. The rumor involved an Ole Miss freshman allegedly involved in an inappropriate relationship with her boyfriend’s father. “Dad had s– with son’s girlfriend... then it was made public... That’s the absolute worst-case scenario,” McAfee said in the clip, citing no verified sources. He captioned the video with, “What’s going on at Ole Miss,” accompanied by laughing emojis.

The woman named in the rumor, Mary Kate Cornett, has since been subjected to relentless online harassment. Speaking to NBC News, she said McAfee’s viral segment “practically ruined my life.”

“I thought it was absolutely ridiculous that an ESPN sports broadcaster would be talking about a 19-year-old girl’s s– scandal that was completely false,” she added.

Pat McAfee’s lighthearted disclaimer raises eyebrows


As the backlash intensified, Cornett’s attorney Monica Uddin signaled that legal action may be on the table, calling her client a victim of cyberbullying and defamation . McAfee’s response? A brief attempt at damage control with a three-word message hidden in a content disclaimer during his show: “p.s.. Don’t sue us.”

McAfee later addressed the situation more seriously during his “Big Night Aht” tour in Pittsburgh, stating, “I never, ever want to be a part of anything negative in anybody’s life, ever.”

But Cornett isn’t buying it. In a separate interview with The Athletic, she accused McAfee of never reaching out to verify the story or offer her a chance to respond. “You’re ruining my life by talking about it on your show for nothing but attention,” she said, revealing how the ordeal has caused her intense emotional distress.

Also Read: “Time for a younger blonde/brunette”: Erin Andrews slammed with ageist insult as fans erupt over sexist double standards in sports media

This isn’t the first time McAfee has faced legal threats. He previously settled a defamation lawsuit filed by Brett Favre over welfare fraud allegations. Now, with a fresh controversy threatening his career and reputation, McAfee might be forced to learn — once again — that broadcasting unverified internet rumors comes with real-world consequences.