Pat McAfee incredulously described New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers' suggestion that Jimmy Kimmel could be placed on the Epstein list as mere “shit talk.”
A list of disgraced financier Epstein's associates, according to court documents, is set to be released in the first days of 2024, and during his guest appearance on The Pat McAfee Show on Tuesday, Rodgers claimed the late host could be among the names on the show List.
Rodgers' comments sparked criticism online, with Kimmel taking to social media to brand the NFL star an “asshole” and claim he had put his family in danger.
On Wednesday's episode of the show, McAfee addressed the controversy and apologized for Rodgers' comments.
However, the host appeared to dismiss the allegations as a joke on Rodgers' part.
Aaron Rodgers suggested that Jimmy Kimmel could be on Jeffrey Epstein's list of associates
The late-night TV host responded angrily to X, saying Rodgers' claims had “put my family in danger.”
Pat McAfee (left) incredibly claimed the signal caller was just talking shit
“There were a few things that were probably, I mean, we need to hear from Aaron on this, were meant as a bullshit joke that can turn into a very serious allegation that turns into a huge story overnight,” McAfee said.
The former NFL punter continued to admit that he understood Kimmel's anger, but again seemed to excuse Rodgers' comments as a joke.
“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,” McAfee added.
“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.'
McAfee even seemed to suggest that Rodgers had a valid motive for the comment after Kimmel previously mocked him.
“I totally get why Jimmy's upset, but I also think Aaron's like, 'Hey, this guy said some things about me,'” AcAfee continued.
The powerful friends and acquaintances of pedophile Jeffrey Epstein are to be exposed as part of a large-scale unsealing ordered by a judge shortly before the New Year
“He's just trying to talk, I don't think he meant anything else but he needs to make that clear. For us, we just want to continue to be a place where people can escape from life. “At this moment, for many reasons and for many reasons, we haven't, but we will continue.”
Rodgers' mockery came during his final weekly appearance on The Pat McAfee Show. He began outlining a conspiracy theory about the colors of the NFL's Super Bowl emblems and predicting the teams that will play the big game this season.
The panel was stunned by the NFL star's lengthy explanation, and co-host AJ Hawk interrupted to jokingly ask if it was the Epstein list.
Rodgers took the opportunity to strongly condemn his longtime nemesis, saying, “There are a lot of people, including Jimmy Kimmel, who are hoping that this list doesn't get published.”
McAfee then joked that the quarterback was “in his wine cellar” waiting for the court documents to be released.
“I tell you what, when this list comes out, I will definitely be popping a bottle,” Rodgers said.
The Super Bowl winner's swipe at Kimmel came after the comedian mercilessly mocked him for discussing the Epstein list.
During an episode of his eponymous late-night show in March of last year, Kimmel took aim at Rodgers over his comments about Epstein and UFOs.
During a February appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, Rodgers expressed some of his views on the issues and Kimmel repeated the clip during his monologue.
“I think it's been like this for a long time.” Interesting timing for everything. “There are a lot of other things going on in the world,” Rodgers said.
The show then jumped to a segment in which Rodgers said, “Have you heard about the Epstein client list that's about to be released?”
“There are some files with names that may be released soon.”
Kimmel then said, “Maybe it's time to reconsider the concussion protocol, Aaron,” after calling him a “Tinfoil Hatter” earlier in the segment.
Rodgers' then-Green Bay Packers teammate David Bakhtiari hit back at Kimmel on social media.
“Tell me you're on Jeffrey Epstein's client list without telling me you're on Jeffrey Epstein's client list…” he tweeted.
Epstein's powerful friends and acquaintances are to be exposed as part of a large-scale unsealing that a judge ordered shortly before the New Year.
Jimmy Kimmel claims Aaron Rodgers is a “tinfoil hatter” because he wanted to know the names on Jeffrey Epstein's client list. pic.twitter.com/fZtiULosEM
— Mythinformed (@MythinformedMKE) March 2, 2023
David Bakhtiari stepped in to protect his teammate Rodgers from Kimmel's jokes last year
Bakhtiari went back to Kimmel after facing criticism from Rodgers
About 177 people will be identified in hundreds of files, shedding new light on the late financier's sex trafficking operations and his influence network.
Judge Loretta Preska wrote “fully unsealed” next to the names of 177 dos who are Epstein's friends, recruiters, victims and others whose names will be revealed if the material is made public.
Kimmel previously attacked Rodgers in November 2021 for trying to hide his unvaccinated status.
In the searing revelation, Kimmel criticized Rodgers for testing negative 300 times before testing positive, comparing the logic to that of a 95-year-old grandma justifying keeping her driver's license.
“The fact is that the risk of dying from Covid is 11 times higher if you are not vaccinated,” Kimmel said. “It's a stupid conversation, but you'll never guess who that crazy packer got his medical advice from.”
Rodger's outrageous discussion about his anti-vaccination status also previously caused controversy on The Pat McAfee Show.
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