On Tuesday, August 12, 2026, ESPN personality Pat McAfee attended the 2026 Patriot Games finals at Spire Academy in Geneva, Ohio, where he greeted President Donald Trump on the tarmac and sat beside him during the event. McAfee arrived casually dressed in jeans, a T-shirt, sneakers, and a backwards cap.

The White House described Trump's attendance at the Patriot Games as a celebration of "250 years of American Independence by honoring the excellence, grit and competitive spirit of America's youth."

Following McAfee's association with Trump, an X user posted a viral clip accusing McAfee of racism, implying he used the "N-word" behind people's backs. The post read, "In case you were wondering if Pat McAfee calls us the N word behind our backs when we’re not around, here’s your answer. @DesmondHoward @ESPNPR."

McAfee responded to the accusation by calling it "grotesque" and indicated it was "potentially lawsuit worthy," stating, "we’ll have the lawyers look into that next week after The Diary Of A Polarizing Figure drops FRIDAY."

This incident follows previous controversies involving political commentary in sports media, including a 2020 remark by former ESPN host Jemele Hill who labeled all Trump voters as "racist."

McAfee, a former NFL punter and a prominent ESPN host, has faced criticism before for his interactions with Trump, notably defending having Trump on his show last November as a tribute to Veterans Day.

Sources