Keith Olbermann wants ESPN to dismiss "idiot" Pat McAfee over ex-NFL star's comments on Canada - "That day is today. Fire him"
Former ESPN broadcaster Keith Olbermann wants Pat McAfee to be fired for calling out Canadians who booed the American national anthem during WWE's Elimination Chamber event in Toronto amid growing political tensions.
As last Saturday's broadcast was commencing, McAfee said:
“Kind of sucks that it’s in the terrible country of Canada, which booed our national anthem to start this entire thing. But it’s going to be a historic night for the WWE.”
The former Indianapolis Colts punter attempted to make amends on his eponymous show on Monday.
“I understand now from the Canadians that they have a lot more passion for their country than I could have ever imagined. A lot of terrible things have been said about me, and I understand it. You boo my country, I called your country terrible, let’s shake hands.”
But this did not suffice for sportscaster-turned-political commentator Keith Olbermann, who wrote on his social media on Monday:
“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. That day is today. Fire him.”
OutKick writer believes Pat McAfee should not have been made to apologize for Canada remarks
Another person who disagreed with Pat McAfee's apology is OutKick's Mike Gunzelman. However, he had a different reason.
"Pat McAfee is used to getting himself in hot water with his comments, but it's what he DIDN'T say that he should be praised for. Yet the media refuse to credit McAfee for standing up for his patriotic beliefs because it doesn't fit their narrative."
His first point of contention is that the comments occurred during a professional wrestling event, where personalities are expected to be "in character" (face or heel). He then criticized what he saw as "overreactions" and pointed out that it had "nothing to do with politics."