A war of words between ESPN’s Pat McAfee and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer John Mellencamp is currently being fought.
McAfee got on the microphone during Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals in Indianapolis, having some fun at the visiting fans’ expense. Mellencamp, an Indiana native and fan of the team, took issue with McAfee’s antics and took him to task on social media.
“The Knicks/Pacers games have been very entertaining for anyone who likes basketball or sports,” Mellencamp shared on X yesterday. “I attended Game 4 in Indianapolis. ‘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. The audience booed these people.
“I’d say that was not Hoosier Hospitality. One could say it’s poor, poor sportsmanship. I was not proud to be a Hoosier, and I 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.”
McAfee didn’t appreciate being called out like that though, even if it wasn’t by name. On Friday, he spoke at length about Mellencamp and “The Coug” said but boiled it down to four words: “Shut the (expletive) up.”
What a moment for John Cougar Mellencamp
😂😂 #PMSLive https://t.co/sSAFHJmDL3 pic.twitter.com/unlYYcUHEH
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) May 30, 2025
“I respect and appreciate the fact that he said, ‘You know what? I’ve made a pretty good living over the last few years, grandstanding higher than everybody else on everything. This feels like a good time to do that now.’ And he puts out this horrendous graphic,” McAfee said. “John, can’t tell you how bad everything you did here was. The graphic, the quote, the timing…puts this thing out there, doesn’t even say my name. John, shut the (expletive) up! Okay? They put this out, calls me somebody, I am somebody. And I normally don’t want people to just get slaughtered, because I know we have a very active following.
“Instead, you try to think you’re gonna bury me? I don’t think so, John!” McAfee continued. “Hey, Coug! SUCK IT, BUDDY! Hope I get a chance to see you real soon…I don’t want any of your (expletive). I don’t like you, I know your name, and I don’t like you.”
Mellencamp is unlikely to address the situation further, which means McAfee will probably wind up with the last word.
Related: Music Legend John Mellencamp ‘Embarrassed’ By Indiana Pacers Fans