Longtime broadcaster Keith Olbermann is calling for Pat McAfee to be fired after the ESPN host and WWE commentator called Canada a “terrible country” during a live broadcast of WWE’s Elimination Chamber event in Toronto on Saturday.
McAfee’s comments came after Canadian fans loudly booed the U.S. national anthem, which was performed at Rogers Centre before the event. The backlash was immediate, sparking criticism from both Canadian viewers and sports media figures, with Olbermann leading the charge.
“A lot of us tried to warn the new ESPN management that the day would come when this idiot would draw them into a permanent political controversy, and they could either be subsumed by it or fire him,” Olbermann wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
“That day is today. Fire him.”
Despite the controversy, ESPN has yet to issue an official response regarding McAfee’s remarks.
McAfee Responds to the Backlash
After facing intense criticism online, McAfee addressed the situation on his ESPN show Monday, explaining his remarks and attempting to ease tensions.
“Now Canada, listen—there’s been some things said to me from Canadians that I guess I respect because of the passion that you have for your country,” McAfee said.
“Which I hope you understand that I was showing the same for mine. You booed my country.”
McAfee stood by his initial reaction, emphasizing that he was reacting to the boisterous booing of the U.S. anthem, which he described as “overwhelming” and “very loud.”
He acknowledged that political tensions between the United States and Canada—particularly due to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s repeated remarks about making Canada “the 51st state” and imposing tariffs—may have fueled some of the Canadian fans’ reactions.
However, McAfee insisted that his comments were not a personal attack on Canadian people.
“… I didn’t say Canadians were terrible, I said your country was. You booed us, I said you were terrible, let’s shake hands and move along. I still love Canadians … I hope it gets settled.”
Olbermann’s History of Clashing with ESPN Personalities
Olbermann, who previously worked for ESPN and MSNBC, has frequently been outspoken about political and sports media controversies. His call for McAfee’s ouster from ESPN is just the latest in a long history of public feuds with high-profile media figures.
McAfee’s Future with ESPN
McAfee remains one of ESPN’s most prominent personalities, having signed a five-year, $85 million deal with the network in 2023. His unfiltered style and outspoken personality have made him a fan favorite—but also a lightning rod for controversy.
With ESPN yet to respond, the network now faces a difficult decision:
- Stand by McAfee and risk further controversy.
- Discipline or fire him in response to the growing backlash.
For now, McAfee is moving forward, but his remarks have sparked a heated debate over national pride, free speech, and sports commentary—one that ESPN may have to address sooner rather than later.
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