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USA Today Sports Media Group

Sport

Jordy McElroy

Awkward on-air moment between Pat McAfee and Robert Kraft has Patriots fans worked up

Pat McAfee Robert Kraft Patriots Bill Belichick College GameDay

Things got really awkward on the College GameDay set at the end of a segment featuring New England Patriots coach Robert Kraft on Saturday.

One of the show’s hosts, Pat McAfee, first complimented Kraft on the many years of success he’s had with the Patriots organization.

“Greatest dynasty in the history of professional sports. You should be incredibly proud of that. You’ve kicked a lot of ass for the NFL, Robert Kraft,” said McAfee.

Knowing the Patriots are sitting at 3-10 with no hope of making the playoffs, Kraft came back with a respectable answer aimed directly at the future of the team.

“We like to win. So we wanna do everything we can to get our team back so we can be winning,” said Kraft.

After those comments from Kraft, things suddenly took a turn when McAfee followed up with what is being taken as a hint towards the parting of ways between the Patriots and coach Bill Belichick.

“I don’t envy your position, what’s about to happen,” said McAfee. “We all know. We don’t have to ask.”

Robert Kraft: "We like to win, so we wanna do everything we can to get our team back so we can be winning…"

Pat McAfee: "I don't envy your position, what's about to happen. We all know, we don't have to ask."

👀👀👀👀👀 #Patriots pic.twitter.com/TgxBj7Rfol

— Video from: @TSV__1 (@TSV__1) December 9, 2023

There was an awkward silence after McAfee’s comments, which was promptly followed by a handshake with Kraft. Some Patriots fans cheered McAfee for the comments, while others felt like it was tasteless and poor timing.

Here are some of the best social media reactions to the segment:

Was really uncomfortable to watch Pat McAfee put Robert Kraft on the spot like that. Pretty disrespectful but that’s Pat for ya

— John Reed (@J_Reed20) December 9, 2023

I love how everyone is so quick to just want Bill to go. Sure go out and get a young upcoming coach but unless they get better talent it’s going to be similar next season. Maybe the owner should’ve spent more money on the team. 🤷‍♂️

— Corey Capoccia (@coreycapoccia) December 9, 2023

Low of Pat to do that right before a break

— Jeff Scanlon (@jscancoach) December 9, 2023

Character matters Pat.

— Rick Ball 🇺🇸 (@rickmball) December 9, 2023

pat sucks on gameday not surprising he did this. his show is great but there’s a time and place for saying stuff that’s controversial and when he’s sitting with the owner of the stadium that’s hosting this game, i’d say that’s a time to keep his mouth shut

— Kyle Riel (@kyleriel14) December 9, 2023

Well done by Pat while up against the break. Rece tried to get into it a question earlier.

— John Crowe (@thecrowesnest) December 9, 2023

Kraft is a good business man, he knows Bill isn’t the problem surely.

— Marius Gage (@ForMacragge) December 9, 2023

Belichick isn't going anywhere. This non reaction proves nothing. Keep hoping

— Jason Micheal Hughes (@jason_m_hughes) December 9, 2023

I love Pat but that was messed up

— McCorkle Jones (@johnnyboy4396) December 9, 2023

Thought that was ballsy of Pat. To directly say that to Kraft on live tv.

— Zach (@zgoody34) December 9, 2023

Why ask this/elude to this? It’s not like gameday is some hard hitting interview session.

Seems weird to do this in this setting by Pat.

— Pats Buzz (@PatsBuzz) December 9, 2023

When I was watching I took it more as the QB situation. I think Bill is there to stay. Especially after his segment on College Game Day

— Anthony Capalino (@ACapalino74) December 9, 2023

What a tool

— Jake Homuth (@jakeh288) December 9, 2023

Did Pat McAfee just give us all a message with his talk with Robert Kraft? Is Bill getting fired?

— Carmine Marino (@Carmine92210764) December 9, 2023