Mike Ryan criticizes Pat McAfee for Trump association at Patriot Games
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 14, 2026, 4:24 AM
Last updated Aug 14, 2026
During a recent segment on The Dan Le Batard Show, Mike Ryan called out Pat McAfee for his involvement at the inaugural Patriot Games event in Cleveland, where McAfee was present alongside President Donald Trump and ESPN executives. Ryan described the event as 'propaganda' and labeled McAfee a 'pawn' of the Trump administration, questioning McAfee's motives for engaging with Trump. McAfee defended his participation, stating his intention to promote competition and fitness among young Americans. The situation highlights McAfee's notable political engagements, sparking significant discourse among sports commentators. As this discussion unfolds, McAfee is expected to address the criticism on his show.
- •Mike Ryan criticized McAfee for his role at the Patriot Games.
- •Pat McAfee attended with President Donald Trump and ESPN executives.
- •Ryan described the event as political propaganda.
- •McAfee plans to respond to the criticism on his show.
- •Ryan's remarks reflect broader tensions in sports and politics.
- 4:24 AMYahoo Sports — ‘It’s Hugely Embarrassing’ — Ex-ESPN Employee Calls Out Pat McAfee for President Donald Trump ‘Propaganda’ at Patriot Games
- 12:00 AMYahoo Sports — Mike Ryan calls Pat McAfee a ‘pawn’ of Trump administration after Patriot Games
"Pat McAfee’s appearance alongside President Donald Trump at the Patriot Games has sparked a heated reaction from former ESPN personality Mike Ryan, who accused the event of using sports to promote the administration. Mike Ryan Calls Out Pat McAfeeThe controversy followed Tuesday night’s Patriot Games events in Geneva, Ohio, where Trump attended the championship round of the youth fitness competition.
"Despite both he and ESPN repeatedly trying to distance themselves from politics, Pat McAfee was front and center at the finale of the inaugural Patriot Games on Tuesday night alongside President Donald Trump and executives from ESPN and Disney. McAfee greeted the president outside Air Force One in Cleveland before joining him for a grand…
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 14, 2026, 4:24 AM‘It’s Hugely Embarrassing’ — Ex-ESPN Employee Calls Out Pat McAfee for President Donald Trump ‘Propaganda’ at Patriot Games
Pat McAfee’s appearance alongside President Donald Trump at the Patriot Games has sparked a heated reaction from former ESPN personality Mike Ryan, who accused the event of using sports to promote the administration. Mike Ryan Calls Out Pat McAfeeThe controversy followed Tuesday night’s Patriot Games events in Geneva, Ohio, where Trump attended the championship round of the youth fitness competition.
- Yahoo SportsAug 13, 2026, 12:00 AMMike Ryan calls Pat McAfee a ‘pawn’ of Trump administration after Patriot Games
Despite both he and ESPN repeatedly trying to distance themselves from politics, Pat McAfee was front and center at the finale of the inaugural Patriot Games on Tuesday night alongside President Donald Trump and executives from ESPN and Disney. McAfee greeted the president outside Air Force One in Cleveland before joining him for a grand…
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