The association naturally angered the intolerant left, including one X user whose response has since gone viral."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," posted @financejonE above a clip of McAfee sitting with Trump.McAfee responded by saying he would look into suing the user."This is grotesque … and potentially lawsuit worthy ...
we’ll have the lawyers look into that next week after The Diary Of A Polarizing Figure drops FRIDAY," McAfee said in a quote post.Grotesque, indeed.President Donald Trump, flanked by sports analyst Pat McAfee and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, attends the 2026 Patriot Games finals at Spire Academy in Geneva, Ohio, on Aug.11, 2026.
(AFP via Getty Images)CLICK HERE FOR MORE OUTKICK SPORTS COVERAGEThe idea that McAfee uses the N-word because he sat with the president is nonsensical.But it's also the type of behavior that has come to define partisan actors of a certain ilk.And it's not just trolls.
Media figures have also recklessly labeled people racist simply for viewing Trump as a decent person.In 2020, former ESPN host Jemele Hill called all Trump voters, wait for it, "racist.""If you vote for Donald Trump, you are a racist.You have no wiggle room," Hill posted on X.So good on McAfee for calling this person out.
Accusations of racism should not be thrown around this loosely or baselessly.Sports analyst Pat McAfee walks to board Marine One with President Donald Trump as Trump arrives at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport on Aug.11, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Trump is traveling to Ohio to attend the 2026 Patriot Games.(Getty Images)Whether McAfee could win a lawsuit is another question.
Libel laws make it difficult for public figures to prevail, especially against anonymous accounts.Still, legal action could potentially identify the user and put the person under immense financial pressure.And he should pursue it...