‘First Take’ tribute to Bill Rasmussen abruptly interrupted by ‘Pat McAfee Show’
Pat McAfee is inevitable at ESPN.
ESPN founder Bill Rasmussen passed away on Tuesday, just before the 10 a.m. ET start time of "First Take." Co-host Courtney Cronin announced the news and spoke briefly about Rasmussen's impact, but was interrupted when Pat McAfee's show began. McAfee, who had no involvement in the interruption, simply welcomed viewers to his program.
This incident has raised questions about ESPN's priorities, with McAfee seeming to dominate the network's attention. Despite the awkward transition, ESPN appears to have no choice but to accommodate McAfee, who is appearing everywhere, from the president to "College GameDay." McAfee's new album has received mixed reactions, but he is becoming a household name at ESPN.
His presence is so pervasive that even Kirk Herbstreit suggested incorporating his songs into "GameDay." The network's contract with McAfee reportedly pays him more than any NBA player. In this new reality, McAfee is always there, and ESPN may not have much control over his expanding influence.
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