Pat McAfee is a character. He’s entertaining, witty and engaging. The Colts punter has gained national exposure online and NBC was impressed.
McAfee joined the ‘Grady and Big Joe Show’ on ESPN 1070 The Fan in Indianapolis and said he will be involved with the Super Bowl even though the Colts won’t be playing in the big game.
“I’m their social media correspondent,” McAfee explained. “They’re giving me free reigns to the Sunday Night Football twitter account and Sunday Night Football all-access website and all that stuff.”
NBC really liked McAfee after an interview with Michele Tafoya prior to the Colts Sunday Night Football game against the Saints on Oct. 23rd. [Click here to watch the interview.]
NBC has the broadcasting rights to Super Bowl XLVI and I’m sure they’ll find many innovative ways to utilize the 3rd-year punter.
There’s no question Pat is a people person. He is interactive and a charismatic guy.
During the NFL Lockout, McAfee started his own web show on Ustream, where he talked about current events, shared videos and discussed whatever was on his mind. He was very creative with the whole idea and also had teammates call in. He even created ‘Taco Tuesday.’
McAfee is a man of the people and a sociable guy. I’m anxious to see how this gig pans out but I know he will entertain the masses.
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UPDATE: Jan. 16.
Not so fast. Before the Colts punter could even begin, he was fired.
Last week, McAfee had a series of tweets where he shared his perspective on the military. In response to a controversial video that came out where US Marines were urinating on dead members of the Taliban, McAfee first tweeted, “Soooo people are pissed about our marines peeing on dead taliban??? #WhoCares #ThoseDudesTriedToKillOurDudes.”
He stuck up for the American troops because of what they do for their country. He explained further in this extended note. Monday, he was upset that they cancelled his temporary job with them during Indy’s Super Bowl.
This is America after all, where serviceman and woman are fighting for our freedom. Our freedom to live comfortably. And our freedom of speech. McAfee stated his opinion and backed it up quite well. It’s very controversial and people will have different opinions. But that’s what great.
NBC over-reacted and they don’t want to take a chance. They are missing a big opportunity, in my opinion, because they don’t understand the influence and pull Pat has with his following. He would be terrific, and I hope another prominent media source like ESPN have him serve in the same capacity.
Sooo @NBC dropped me from the social media gig due to my support of American troops #ThatsAmazing
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) January 16, 2012
This the first time I’ve ever been fired… You’ll always remember your first
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) January 16, 2012
There were numerous violations of military regulations in what those soldiers did. Additionally, they violated various treaties and conduct of war international agreements to which the United States is a signatory. The opinions of people do not matter. If a person robbed a bank (a violation of the law) would anyone give a damn if someone spoke up and said “Hey, the damn banks are crooks, cut the robber some slack! He was doing his patriotic duty.” Um, no, he broke the law. Just as these soldiers violated sworn rules of conduct. Their duty, their privilege to serve, is predicated on following military law. They breeched their duty. What the hell does “opinion” have to do with it. And those that applaud the breaking of military laws are a sorry lot of ignorant jackasses. McAfee’s employment by NBC was of their choosing. They hired him. They can fire him. Most corporations have clauses restricing the conduct of employees holding prominent public positions. You embarrass the company at your peril. Stupid is as stupid does. Isn’t McAfee the same idiot found drunk swimming in a canal under rather odd circumstances? Sound judgment that boy has indeed…………