Pat McAfee Apologizes to Caitlin Clark After On-Air Antics

Pat McAfee issued an on-air apology to WNBA star Caitlin Clark following a controversial segment on ESPN's College GameDay. The incident occurred on Saturday when Clark, a celebrated alumna, was the celebrity guest picker for her alma mater, the Iowa Hawkeyes, as they prepared to play the Ohio State Buckeyes.

During the broadcast, McAfee engaged in his characteristic energetic style, initially hyping up the Hawkeyes and suggesting he would pick them to win. He then proceeded to remove his blazer and shirt, exclaiming, "They're telling me to take it off!" Clark, seated beside him, reacted with applause and cheers. However, McAfee then turned to Clark and stated, "Caitlin, I apologize for being like this in front of you but when it calls, it calls." He continued, "The football Gods have called me to get shirtless in front of these fantastic people. I'm going to put my shirt back on, I'm going to walk over to Kinnick [Stadium] and I'm going to watch the Ohio State Buckeyes get a huge win."

This announcement was met with loud boos from the assembled Iowa fans, a reaction that included Clark. Despite the crowd's disapproval, McAfee's prediction proved accurate. The Ohio State Buckeyes defeated the No. 14 Iowa Hawkeyes with a final score of 31-14.

Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin was instrumental in the victory, throwing for 324 yards and three touchdowns, with two of those touchdown passes finding Jeremiah Smith. Sayin completed 20 of 27 passes, with Smith being his primary target. Smith recorded 11 receptions for 206 yards, achieving career milestones for Ohio State in receptions (207), receiving yards (3,381), and receiving touchdowns (36).

Clark's appearance on College GameDay came shortly after her team, the Indiana Fever, were eliminated from the WNBA playoffs. Her return to Iowa for the event highlighted her continued connection to her college roots.