John Mellencamp On Feud With ESPN Commentator

John Mellencamp in an interview

via CBS Sunday Morning / Youtube

ESPN personality and former NFL punter Pat McAfee had some strong words for rock legend John Mellencamp after the singer took issue with McAfee’s fiery mid-game speech during Game 4 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals. Let’s just say it didn’t take long for things to get heated between the two Indiana natives.

McAfee, known for his energetic style and colorful commentary, took to the mic during the Indiana Pacers vs. New York Knicks game to rally the home crowd. He pointed out a few celebrity Knicks fans — “Spike Lee, Ben Stiller and Timothee Chalamet” — who had traveled to Indianapolis, and then riled up the crowd, saying, “send these sons of bitches back to New York with their ears ringing.”

Mellencamp Didn’t Find It Funny

Mellencamp, a longtime Indiana resident who was also at the game, didn’t appreciate the comments. Without naming McAfee directly, he expressed disappointment on social media. He wrote:

“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. The audience booed these people. I’d say that was not Hoosier Hospitality.”

Mellencamp added:

“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.
“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.”

That word—“smackdown”—didn’t go unnoticed. Given McAfee’s current role with the WWE, the term felt oddly appropriate.

McAfee Responds Loud and Clear

During his ESPN show, McAfee responded with the energy and sarcasm he’s known for. He didn’t hold back. McAfee began:

“What a moment for John Coug yesterday.
“I don’t know what he thought he was doing with that particular quote tweet… horrendous quote tweet, horrendous graphic. John, can’t tell you how bad everything you did here was — the graphic, the quote, the timing. You’re two days late, John! You’re two days late, Bub. …John, shut the fuck up, OK?”

He continued with a WWE-style rant:

“You try and think you’re gonna bury me? I don’t think so, John. Hey Coug, suck it buddy! Hope I get a chance to see you real soon. I think we’re probably gonna be in the same place pretty soon. I don’t want any of your bullshit. I don’t like you. I know your name, and I don’t like you.”

Still, McAfee did throw in one compliment:

“Your songs are pretty good.”

With the Pacers now up 3-2 and Game 6 set to take place in Indianapolis, this off-court drama might just outshine the game itself.

Watch Pat McAfee address the Indiana Pacers crowd in the video below:

YouTube video

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