ESPN personality Pat McAfee has ignited a firestorm of controversy after making a startling reference to former NBA star Chauncey Billups' 1997 sexual assault case during a live broadcast of College GameDay.
The Shocking On-Air Moment
During Saturday's College GameDay show ahead of the Colorado vs Colorado State matchup, McAfee engaged in playful banter with fellow analysts about their college days. The conversation took an unexpected turn when McAfee directly referenced Billups' troubled past.
"Chauncey Billups probably had the best college visit of all time," McAfee quipped, adding with a smirk, "He went to Boston... and never left."
The Dark History Behind the Joke
The controversial remark harkens back to 1997 when Billups, then a rookie with the Boston Celtics, was accused of sexual assault alongside teammate Ron Mercer. Though criminal charges were never filed, Billups settled a civil case with the accuser out of court.
This incident has remained a shadow over Billups' otherwise illustrious career, which includes an NBA Finals MVP award and five All-Star selections.
Mixed Reactions from Sports Fans
Social media immediately erupted following McAfee's comment, with viewers expressing starkly different opinions:
- Many condemned the joke as inappropriate and insensitive
- Others defended it as typical McAfee-style humour
- Some questioned ESPN's standards for on-air content
- Several commentators noted the awkward reaction from McAfee's co-hosts
McAfee's Growing Influence at ESPN
The incident comes as McAfee continues to establish his presence at ESPN following his high-profile move from FanDuel. Known for his unfiltered approach, McAfee has previously generated both praise and criticism for pushing boundaries in sports broadcasting.
This latest controversy raises questions about how far ESPN is willing to let its star personality go in pursuit of viral moments and engagement.
As of publication, neither ESPN nor Chauncey Billups has issued an official statement regarding McAfee's controversial remarks.
