John Mellencamp has built his brand as a rebel. But he thought media personality Pat McAfee went a bit too far in a rant at a Pacers game, and posted a long apology on X about the vulgar diatribe.
That triggered McAfee.
“John: shut the f–k up,” McAfee said during a rant on Friday’s episode of the “Pat McAfee Show.”
The confrontation stems from McAfee’s antics during Game 4 of the Indiana Pacers-New York Knicks series.
The sports media personality appeared on the video board in the fourth quarter of the game at Indiana’s Gainbridge Fieldhouse to pump up the crowd.
McAfee implored Pacers fans to act up, referencing the courtside appearance of Knicks celebrity fans Spike Lee, Ben Stiller and Timothée Chalamet. “Let’s send these sons of bitches back to New York with their ears ringing.”
Mellencamp thought the comments were inappropriate. He posted a statement about his disappointment in McAfee and Pacers fans for supporting him.
“‘Hoosier Hospitality’ … I was embarrassed when somebody, under whose direction I don’t know, called out some of the people who had made the trip from New York to support their team — and in turn, support our team,” Mellencamp wrote. “The audience booed these people. I’d say that was not Hoosier Hospitality. One could only say it’s poor, poor sportsmanship. I was not proud to be a Hoosier, and I’ve lived here my entire life.
He concluded, “On behalf of most Hoosiers, I would like to apologize for our poor behavior. I’m sure the Pacers had nothing to do with this smackdown.”
McAfee defended his actions, saying “This is kind of how sports works.”
“You thought you were gonna bury me? I don’t think so, John!” McAfee said to conclude the segment. “Hey Coug’. Suck it, buddy. Hope I get the chance to see you real soon, I think we’re probably gonna be at the same place pretty soon. I don’t want any of your bulls–t, I don’t like you.”