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Pat McAfee, ESPN Could Face Legal Action Over False Rumor About 18-Year-Old Student

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Mariano | Last updated Apr 1, 2025 11:15 AM ET

ESPN host and former NFL star Pat McAfee could be in hot water for amplifying a false rumor about an 18-year-old female student at the University of Mississippi.

During the episode of "The Pat McAfee Show" at the NFL combine in Indianapolis on Feb. 26, McAfee mentioned a story that “has really captivated the internet" about a college freshman who allegedly slept with her boyfriend's dad.

McAfee, who has a history of making reckless remarks, didn't name the young student but continued to joke about the baseless rumor.

According to a report from New York Times' Katie Strang, the individual at the center of it is Mary Kate Cornett. The first-year business major denied the unsubstantiated tale, which first spread on an anonymous message platform. She called it "inexcusable" and "disturbing."

The damage, however, has been done. Strang revealed how Cornett has been deeply affected by the ordeal.

"In recent weeks, Cornett has remained mostly holed up in her room," wrote Strang. "She no longer dines at her sorority house or the student union. On the rare occasion (that) she goes out, she wears sunglasses and a hat."

“I (can’t) even walk on campus without people taking pictures of me or screaming my name or saying super vulgar, disgusting things to me,” said Cornett, who had to switch to online courses, as quoted in the report.

Strang noted that Cornett has hired legal representation and "intends to take action" against the 37-year-old McAfee and ESPN. Other sports personalities who also amplified the false rumor, including ESPN radio host Doug Vaughn, could also be held accountable.

“You’re ruining my life by talking about it on your show for nothing but attention, but here I am staying up until five in the morning, every night, throwing up, not eating because I’m so anxious about what’s going to happen for the rest of my life,” added Cornett.

McAfee, who played for the Indianapolis Colts, and an ESPN spokesperson declined to comment, according to Strang.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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