Aaron Rodgers concluded his regular appearances on Pat McAfee’s ESPN talk show on Tuesday, capping off a season marked by controversial remarks. His most controversial comment included a mention of TV host Jimmy Kimmel in connection to Jeffrey Epstein’s associates list, a convicted sex offender.
Pat McAfee, a former NFL punter and kicker, shared on X on 10 January that Rodgers’ regular appearances typically end after his team’s season concludes.
McAfee mentioned that while Rodgers might make surprise visits during significant events or offseason activities, the show has traditionally been a seasonal commitment.
He expressed hope that Rodgers would continue to engage in discussions with the show. While he often discussed NFL matters, his cultural commentary, particularly a hint about Kimmel’s potential inclusion in unsealed documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, garnered attention.
In the released court filings, various individuals, including celebrities, were named as associates of the late financier. However, being named in the documents did not imply involvement in Epstein’s sex trafficking activities.
On the edition of The Pat McAfee Show that aired on January 2, 2024, Rodgers reviewed the court documents that were scheduled to be revealed by the judge in Jeffrey’s sex trafficking case.
He stated there would be a large number of people on the list, including Jimmy Kimmel. He also hoped Jimmy’s name wouldn’t be revealed, and if it did, he’d be the first to celebrate.
Subsequently, over 4,553 pages were disclosed in three installments, but Kimmel’s name was not among them. Kimmel has since denied any connection to Epstein and refuted the allegations made by Rodgers.
But the fun fact is that he was seen again in Thursday’s show along with Pat McAfee. Many of the viewers were really shocked to see the star back on the show just a day after Pat McAfee announced that Aaron Rodgers’s Tuesday: Season 4 has been discontinued.
After Rodgers’ appearance, McAfee explained that he had reached out to Rodgers because he knew the quarterback wanted to pay his respects to Belichick
ESPN apologized for the comments made by Aaron Rodgers
ESPN issued an apology for inaccurate and misleading comments made by New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers on their recent show. ESPN Vice President of Digital Production Mike Foss acknowledged that Rodgers’ remarks regarding Jimmy Kimmel in relation to the release of Jeffrey Epstein’s court records were a “dumb and factually inaccurate joke.”
Foss admitted the mistake, stating that it should not have occurred, and emphasized the recognition of the error in the moment. The apology from ESPN was initially reported by Front Office Sports.
Additionally, the host of The Pat McAfee Show, where Rodgers made the controversial comments, also issued an apology. Pat McAfee acknowledged the association with negativity and expressed a preference for an uplifting and fun atmosphere on the show.
He explained that Rodgers was attempting to engage in banter, even though certain serious allegations can provoke strong reactions. McAfee apologized for any part the show played in the controversy.
He also said that
They obviously don’t like the fact that they are associated with anything negative ever. They like their show to be an uplifting one, a happy one, a fun one
It was after the Tuesday episode, that Pat McAfee confirmed that Aaron Rodgers will no longer be a part of the show for this season.
Jimmy Kimmel reacted to the Rodgers comments
Rodgers’ comment made the Television Host Jimmy Kimmel very angry, and he reacted to the issue on 2 January 2024.
In response to Aaron Rodgers’ comments, Jimmy Kimmel addressed him on social media, stating that he has never met, visited, or had any contact with Epstein. Kimmel denied any presence on the alleged ‘list,’ dismissing it as clearly phony and criticizing Rodgers for reckless words that he believes put his family in danger.
Kimmel also warned Rodgers that if such behavior continues, they may need to settle the matter in court.
After a week, the host began his first show of the new year with the mention of the controversy. While maintaining that he had no ties to Epstein, Kimmel also noted contrasts between his late-night show comments and Rodgers’ comments.
He pointed out the differences between his show and The Pat McAfee show by saying that
They say a lot of things on the show. They don’t make up lies. In fact, they have a team of people who work very hard to sift through facts and reputable sources before he makes a joke
Kimmel also mentioned that he would have considered Aaron a decent person if he apologized for his mistake. But when Rodgers later appeared on The Pat McAfee Show, he addressed the issue but did not apologize.
