- Aaron Rodgers has remained silent since making the claims about Jimmy Kimmel
- Stephen A. Smith also supported how Pat McAfee is handling the situation
- DailyMail.com provides the latest international sports news
Aaron Rodgers was urged by Stephen A. Smith to apologize to Jimmy Kimmel after he said the comedian would be on Jeffrey Epstein's list of associates.
The New York Jets quarterback made the claims during his weekly appearance on The Pat McAfee Show on Tuesday, prompting the comedian to threaten legal action.
McAfee himself addressed the outrage on Wednesday, claiming that Rodgers was “just talking to Kimmel,” with whom he has long had tensions.
Now McAfee's ESPN colleague Smith spoke out about the incident on his self-titled show this week, calling for Rodgers to apologize and also praising McAfee's response.
“I can applaud Pat McAfee for apologizing, but let me be the first to say it wasn't necessary,” Smith said on his show.
Stephen A. Smith has asked Aaron Rodgers to apologize to Jimmy Kimmel for his Epstein remark. Rodgers said on the Pat McAfee Show this week that Kimmel would be on the Epstein list
“He didn't do anything wrong.” It's his show, the show is live, he didn't know what Aaron Rodgers was going to say.
“I feel like Pat McAfee hit the nail on the head when he said Aaron Rodgers just wanted to attack him.” [Kimmel]”He was just joking, he didn't necessarily mean anything like that,” Smith said.
“But let me say this to Aaron Rodgers: Jeffrey Epstein is nothing to joke about.”
“I love Aaron Rodgers, everyone knows he's a bad man, you know me.” But Aaron Rodgers should just apologize. Plain and simple. Just make the situation less complicated. Even if you don't like Jimmy Kimmel, say that too!'
The day after Rodgers made the claims live on the McAfee Show, the host and former NFL player addressed the situation following Kimmel's angry response.
Fiery, Kimmel went to X to vent his anger. “Dear Asshole: For the record, I have not met Epstein, flown with him, visited him, or had any contact with him, and you will not find my name on any 'list' other than the obviously false nonsense “That's what that means.” “Soft-brained lunatics like you can't seem to differentiate from reality,” the comedian complained.
“Your reckless words have put my family in danger. “Keep it up and we will continue to discuss the facts in court.”
McAfee said at the start of his show on Wednesday: “There were some things that were probably, I mean, we need to hear from Aaron about this, were meant as a joke that could turn into a very serious accusation.” That leads to a huge late-night story.
The late-night TV host responded angrily to X, saying Rodgers' claims had “put my family in danger.”
“But I can totally understand why Jimmy Kimmel felt that way, especially given his position, but I think Aaron was just trying to talk shit.”
“Has it gone too far? Um, Jimmy Kimmel certainly said that was the case. But that's Aaron and Jimmy, that's who they were [jousting a bit].
“We obviously don't like that we're ever associated with anything negative.” We want our show to be uplifting, joyful and entertaining. But just because we talk shit and make light of everything, some things are obviously very upsetting, especially when they involve such serious allegations.
“So we apologize for being involved in that.” I can't wait to hear what Aaron has to say about it. Hopefully the two of them can just sort this out.'
Rodgers has remained silent so far since his appearance on the show on Tuesday.
According to AJ Perez of Front Office Sports, an ESPN spokesperson declined to comment Monday night when asked if Rodgers' future as a weekly guest was being considered – the Jets quarterback is paid for his appearances.