Pat McAfee has responded to backlash from viewers who accused him of smoking marijuana during his ESPN/YouTube show. The host, 39, appeared to be holding a smoldering cigarette or joint during Thursday's broadcast, leading to a flurry of accusations on social media.
McAfee, who has previously stated he smokes "a lot of weed," took to X, formerly Twitter, to offer a cryptic denial. "Little sage never hurt nobody," he wrote. When a follower suggested it was either sage or CBD, McAfee responded with "THANK YOU."
Hemp-derived CBD is legal in Indiana, where McAfee produces his show. However, recreational marijuana remains illegal in the state, with possession punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine for a first offense.
An ESPN spokesperson declined to comment on the incident. The network licenses McAfee's show rather than owning it.
This is not the first time McAfee has made references to smoking marijuana or been perceived as doing so on air. He has previously made playful allusions to pot use and was seen appearing to take a hit from a vape pen during a taping for ESPN's 'College GameDay.'
Some viewers noted that McAfee might face fewer repercussions for such an act compared to others in the public eye. Former NFL player LeSean McCoy commented on his podcast, "Pat McAfee is the most powerful person other than Donald Trump. He's the only dude I know that can smoke weed on a show and nothing happens." An Eagles blogger, Alexis Chassen, echoed this sentiment, stating, "I'm not mad at it, but a long list of people not named Pat McAfee would probably be punished/fired for this." Another X user drew a parallel to Paul Pierce, who was fired by ESPN in 2021 after posting a video of himself smoking, drinking, and gambling on Instagram while off the clock.