Pat McAfee speaks out on ESPN layoffs ‘after getting murdered on the internet’ amid his

Recently hired ESPN personality Pat McAfee is publicly speaking out against his company’s recent round of talent cuts.

McAfee, who signed a deal worth a reported $17million per year with the company earlier this year, said that he was getting ‘murdered on the internet’ when the layoffs of around 20 on-air personalities were announced. 

The former Indianapolis Colts punter only recently joined the company full time, but bemoaned the changes that happened within ESPN.

‘Built on stone. I did a lot of reflecting about our show’s journey while I was getting murdered on the internet today (hell yeah),’ McAfee posted to Twitter.

‘All roads lead back to how honored I am to be the leader of such a talented group and how lucky I am to be a part of this team (a few missing from pics and a couple I couldn’t tag).

Pat McAfee bemoaned ESPN’s recent list of layoffs as he received criticism because of them

The ex-punter said he was being ‘murdered on the internet’ after the firings were announced

McAfee recently moved his popular podcast show to ESPN in a deal worth $17m a year

‘We do our thing. We enjoy ourselves. And we never blink… Basement, box truck, world stoppage.. you name it.. the show rolls on. 

‘We’re very pumped to be joining ESPN and our goal is that ‘Mass exits’ are never a thing again.. we hope to help that.. obviously that’s a lofty goal but, that’s how I truly look at life. 

‘I wish we could’ve worked alongside a lot of the folks that got released today. Some absolute legends, that we all respect, in the sports media world were trending today for losing jobs. 

‘That sucks.. no matter how you slice it. We’re gonna continue to control the things we can control.. try to do daily sports coverage in an entertaining and informative fashion.. and be thankful for all of the opportunities that have been earned thru a lot of hard work and commitment from the group of dudes I get to call coworkers. 

‘Have an incredible weekend. Cheers from all of us at #PMSLive’

Among the notable axings at ESPN included NBA color commentator Jeff Van Gundy, Monday Night Countdown host Suzy Kolber, longtime NBA analyst Jalen Rose, and former First Take host Max Kellerman.

Kolber announced her news on Twitter, writing: ‘Today I join the many hard-working colleagues who have been laid off. 

‘Heartbreaking – but 27 years at ESPN was a good run. So grateful for a 38 yr career! 

‘Longevity for a woman in this business is something I’m especially proud of. Next step- a project that gives back.’