Pat McAfee Apologizes To Jimmy Kimmel Over Aaron Rodgers Drama

Pat McAfee has apologized for his involvement in escalating the feud between Aaron Rodgers and Jimmy Kimmel. 

The escalation occurred when Kimmel hinted at the possibility of taking Rodgers to court over a claim made on McAfee's eponymous show on Tuesday, suggesting Kimmel's connection to the list of Jeffrey Epstein associates set to be released this month.

McAfee began Wednesday's episode of "The Pat McAfee Show" by addressing his role in the Rodgers-Kimmel feud. He explained that following the Rose Bowl game, he and his team were operating on minimal sleep leading into Tuesday's show.

He acknowledged that while the freewheeling nature of the show is its defining characteristic, things might have gone too far this time. In his words: 

"There could be some things that were certainly, probably — I mean, we're gonna have to hear from Aaron on that — meant to be a shit talk joke that can then become something that is obviously a very serious allegation, that then leads to a massive overnight story."

McAfee expressed discomfort with being linked with "anything negative ever" and emphasized his team's usual aim for an "uplifting" and fun show. In his words:

"We'd like our show to be an uplifting one, a happy one, a fun one, but it's because we talk s— and try to make light of everything. Some things obviously people get very pissed off about, especially when they're that serious allegations."

The ESPN host added, "So we apologize for being a part of it. I Can't wait to hear what Aaron has to say about it. Hopefully those two will just be able to settle this, you know, not work wise, but be able to chit chat and move along."

After expressing sympathy for both men, noting Rodgers' frequent guest appearances and Kimmel's high-profile position at Disney, McAfee disclosed that he understood why Kimmel got upset given his position. 

However, he also acknowledged Rodgers' perspective, stating, "I don't think he meant anything else, but he's gonna have to clarify that for us." He then mentioned that the next show would feature NFL star JJ Watt and humorously added, "I'm not sure there'll be any threatened lawsuits with that one coming today."

As for what started the drama, The Blast reported that New York federal judge Loretta Preska recently granted authorization for the disclosure of the elusive associates linked to Epstein.

The development holds the potential to expose the enigmatic figures associated with the infamous sex offender's legacy, with over 150 names scheduled to be revealed at the start of the new year.

It is worth noting that Preska's decision to allow disclosure carries a condition: specific names will be sealed or redacted to safeguard the privacy of an alleged minor victim of sexual abuse who has not spoken publicly. 

Following Rodgers' claim that Kimmel's name would be on the highly-anticipated list, the late-night host took to X to express:

"Dear A—-: for the record, I've not met, flown with, visited, or had any contact whatsoever with Epstein, nor will you find my name on any "list" other than the clearly-phony nonsense that soft-brained wackos like yourself can't seem to distinguish from reality. Your reckless words put my family in danger. Keep it up, and we will debate the facts further in court. @AaronRodgers12."

As the situation between Rodgers and Kimmel continues to unravel, onlookers have begun wondering if Kimmel's close-knit relationship with Adam Perry Lang has anything to do with Rodgers's linking him to the Epstein list.

Lang is the chef and barbecue expert behind the eponymous Hollywood steakhouse APL with Kimmel's support. The celebrity chef's résumé contains notable appearances on Kimmel's show and recognition from Oprah Winfrey.

However, beyond the glitz and glamor, Lang served as Epstein's personal chef from 1999 to 2003, and during that time, he became someone a survivor of the late financier's sex ring, Virginia Roberts Giuffre, considered a friend. 

According to The Daily Beast, the "Serious Barbecue" author discreetly provided pizza to Giuffre after Epstein fell asleep upstairs. That experience led Giuffree to write to Lang, pleading with him to do his part in bringing Epstein and his associates to justice.

The plea included a heartfelt request: "Adam, please don't be an enabler. Be a hero. Be a hero to me, Epstein's victims, and the millions of children who are trafficked every day. I believe you are a good man. At least the Adam I know was. Prove me right."

Luckily, Giuffre did not need to plead too much as Lang's attorney, Lawrence Lustberg, promptly disclosed that the cook was cooperating with New York prosecutors investigating Epstein's sex ring. 

"Meanwhile, Mr. Lang has begun a course of fully cooperating with the federal authorities investigating this case. He, like them and like the victims, wants only that justice be done," Lustberd claimed at the time.