CNN –
Aaron Rodgers will be a guest on Pat McAfee's ESPN show for the remainder of the NFL season.
McAfee, who has drawn significant criticism for allowing the injured New York Jets quarterback into his program and going on lengthy conspiratorial rants, made the announcement on his show Wednesday.
“So the fourth season of 'Aaron Rodgers Tuesday' is finished,” McAfee told his audience. “There could be a lot of people who are happy with it. Including myself, to be honest. The way it ended, it got really loud.”
A person familiar with the matter told CNN that the decision to end Rodgers' regular appearances on Tuesday was due to his recent behavior and not the conclusion of the NFL regular season. An ESPN spokesman declined to comment. During the last two NFL seasons, Rodgers wasn't featured on McAfee's program until March.
Rodgers sparked controversy last week when he falsely suggested that Jimmy Kimmel, the ABC late-night comedian, could be linked to convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, who had a complicated web of powerful friends before being imprisoned in 2019 Jail while awaiting trial, died by suicide on sex trafficking charges.
Rodgers' remark about Kimmel sparked backlash not only because it was unproven and full of innuendo, but also because McAfee allowed him to make the remarks on ESPN. Both ABC and ESPN are owned by Disney.
Kimmel, undeniably one of the brightest stars in the Disney universe, responded to the claim on ABC's sister network, saying the “reckless words” put his family “in danger” and that if he continued like this, the two of them would “Die Continue to discuss facts in court.”
McAfee quickly apologized for his role in the matter, but Rodgers did not.
On Monday night, Kimmel delved into the matter for seven minutes in his opening monologue, predicting that Rodgers ultimately wouldn't apologize for his comments.
Rodgers responded to Kimmel during his regular appearance on The McAfee Show on Tuesday by refusing to apologize for his comments, instead opting for a conspiratorial monologue in which he spread medical misinformation, attacked the news media and even an ESPN -Manager attacked by name.
Rodgers' repeated spread of dangerous anti-vaccine rhetoric raised questions about whether Disney CEO Bob Iger would intervene. Reputable media organizations do not allow guests to make detailed comments that spread medical misinformation unchecked.
McAfee, who has a friendly relationship with Rodgers and admits he pays him seven figures to appear on his show, said Wednesday he is “glad” that the controversy surrounding Rodgers' appearances is no more would because “it’s not about what.” We want to be known.”
“We've given a lot of people over the last week who were waiting for us to sort out a lot of ammunition and things to attack us with,” McAfee said. “And we would like to get back to the point where we just keep going.”
“Some [Rodgers’] “Thoughts and opinions make a lot of people angry,” McAfee added. “And I’m thrilled that it won’t be every Wednesday of my life anymore – like it has been for the last few weeks.”
Additionally, McAfee wrote on X Wednesday evening partly that he was not happy with the situation.
“I definitely don't like the fact that I'm finding myself in political arguments and public arguments because of something a guest said on our show… but I think I've realized that that's going to come with the theme of this endeavor.” We are much more aware of it now,” he said.
McAfee also left the door open to adding Aaron Rodgers back to the program.
“I never said he would never be on the show again,” McAfee said. “I hope he still decides to chat with us. We have been fortunate over the last four years to ride the wave of a season with a four-time NFL MVP (including two during the ART era) and hear his thoughts along the way…in real time.”