Pat McAfee is being accused of mildly criticizing his ESPN colleague Stephen A. Smith for using anonymous sources.
In a recent NFL GameDay segment, McAfee spoke out against the use of anonymous sources when it comes to breaking news in the world of sports.
While the practice is common in journalism to protect sources, McAfee insisted it should only be customary in the “political world and the real world.”
“Anonymous sources are necessary for people's safety and security,” McAfee said. “In sport, no more anonymous sources.”
'I want to know who said what. Because every time something “breaks,” I want to know, was it an agent trying to make some things up? Was it a GM who was maybe a little upset?
While reviewing the segment, former NFL player Marcellus Wiley believed the comments were a shot at Smith.
Marcellus Wiley accuses Pat McAfee of attacking his ESPN colleague Stephen A. Smith
McAfee spoke about how the use of anonymous sources in sports reporting must be stopped
“Once again, another shot over the arc,” Wiley said on his podcast. 'As Pat McAfee says, 'Hey, this is my throne.' And Stephen A. Smith saying, “I'm number one.” Let's see how it goes.
'I'm glad Pat McAfee took a light shot at Stephen A. Smith. But at the same time it's real,” Wiley added.
'Since you called Stephen A. without saying his name, let's talk about it. let's talk about some of the more important anonymous sources… I think that's also nonsense. I think you have to say your name.
Wiley cited how Smith shared information from an anonymous source that Boston Celtics star and NBA Finals MVP Jaylen Brown was “disliked” earlier this year.
In response, Brown urged Smith to name his source, to which the First Take host insisted it would go against journalistic ethics.
Wiley's accusation comes as ESPN personalities appear to be at each other's throats in recent weeks.
On December 23, Smith's co-host Shannon Sharpe issued a chilling warning to Kirk Herbstreit after the college football analyst criticized First Take while calling the Tennessee-Ohio State game.
“I'll be a good teammate, I'll let it go,” Sharpe said calmly after Smith went on a tirade over the comment. “If (Smith) hadn't taken the route you took, it would have lit their asses on fire.”
“Congratulations Ohio State, you won the game,” he continued. 'But hey, if we are going to be on the same team, if we are going to work for the same network, don't do that.
'Kirk, Chris Fowler, I promise you, if you ever mention any platform I'm on again… and talk about 'I wonder what they're going to say,' in negativity… I promise you, ESPN can't get enough . bosses to keep me away from what I'm going to say.
“So today I will let you pass,” he repeated. 'I'll give it to DO before I get into trouble. But don't play with me.