Ex-ESPN Star Keith Olbermann Blasts Pat McAfee Over Canada Remarks, Calls on Network to Fire Him

Former ESPN personality Keith Olbermann has come out swinging, calling for Pat McAfee to be fired following the WWE commentator's controversial comments about Canada. The drama unfolded after McAfee labeled Canada a "terrible country" in response to Canadian wrestling fans booing "The Star-Spangled Banner" during the Elimination Chamber event over the weekend.

McAfee addressed the backlash on his show, "The Pat McAfee Show," where he doubled down on his remarks. "Now, Canada, listen," McAfee said, "there’s been some things said to me from Canadians that I guess I respect because of the passion that you have for your country — which I hope you understand that I was showing the same for mine. You booed my country." Ouch, McAfee, that's one way to keep the pot boiling.

Keith Olbermann, never one to mince words, responded on Monday, tweeting, "A lot of us tried to warn the new ESPN management that the day would come when this idiot would draw them into a permanent political controversy and they could either be subsumed by it, or fire him. That day is today. Fire him." Olbermann’s sharp critique left no room for ambiguity, as he clearly expects ESPN to take swift action.

McAfee, however, wasn’t backing down. "I didn’t say Canadians were terrible. I said your country was. You booed us. I said you were terrible. Let’s shake hands and move along," he added, attempting to inject some humor into the heated exchange. He also mentioned his admiration for Canadians and expressed hope that the issue could be resolved. Well, let’s see if his olive branch gets accepted or just snapped in half.

It’s worth noting that tensions between American and Canadian sports fans haven’t been new. Boos during the U.S. national anthem reportedly began during the Trump administration’s tariff disputes, which seem to have left a lingering bitterness. This time, the boos escalated further, even sparking a fight during the 4 Nations Face-Off between NHL players from both countries.

While McAfee’s comments have ignited a firestorm, his unapologetic stance might just keep this controversy alive for a while. Whether ESPN decides to act on Olbermann’s fiery demands remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure — this drama’s far from over.