Pat McAfee apologizes to family of Mary Kate Cornett for spreading false rumors
By Tyler Reed

Pat McAfee has become one of, if not the most popular and polarizing, sports media figures in the entire landscape.
From ESPN picking up his hit show "The Pat McAfee Show" to even being a part of the broadcast coverage for the WWE, McAfee is living out his dream in front of everyone.
RELATED: Pat McAfee has 'little ditty' in response to John Mellencamp's recent disapproval
However, not everything has been a dream. Earlier this year, viral stories of an Ole Miss student were spreading across social media like wildfire. May was reporting the stories as real news, including McAfee, who made a few jokes about Mary Kate Cornett on his ESPN show.
Since then, it has been discovered that those viral stories were indeed false, and McAfee was involved in helping stoke the flames that would ultimately change the course of Cornett's life forever.
"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
RELATED: Pat McAfee Under Fire for Amplifying Harmful Rumor During NFL Combine Broadcast
On Wednesday's episode of his ESPN show, McAfee revealed to the audience that he recently had the chance to speak to Cornett's father about the situation. "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," McAfee announced.
It's a terrible situation that McAfee is taking full responsibility for.
GET MORE TOP STORIES from The Big Lead by subscribing to TBL YouTube channel
MMA: Dustin Poirier shares emotional goodbye to MMA
MLB: Rich Hill turns back the clock with impressive Royals debut at 45 years old
NBA: Influencer Draya Michele roasts NBA bf Jalen Green over driver's license
NFL: Stefon Diggs has hilarious moment with puppy breaking free at Patriots training camp
SPORTS MEDIA: Colin Cowherd reveals which NFL team is plotting for Arch Manning, Nick Saban
VIRAL: Chicago Bears fans deliver special 'Da Pope' NFL gift to Pope Leo XIV