- WINTER OLYMPICS. Team USA hockey walks back response after Donald Trump's controversial joke
- WINTER OLYMPICS. Pat McAfee picks up eye-watering tab for Team USA hockey Olympic gold celebration in Miami
The aftermath of the 2026 Winter Olympics has taken an unexpected turn into the world of internet controversy, centering on a massive bar tab and a defiant sports broadcaster. Pat McAfee, the 38-year-old host of The Pat McAfee Show, found himself at the center of a social media firestorm after he stepped in to cover a $150,000 bill for the U.S. men's national hockey team.
The squad had been celebrating their historic 2-1 overtime victory against Canada, the program's first gold medal since the 1980 "Miracle on Ice", at the E11EVEN nightclub in Miami.
The celebration, which took place just 24 hours after Jack Hughes scored the decisive goal in Milan, saw the team consuming premium spirits including Armand de Brignac champagne and Dame Más tequila.
Although McAfee was not physically present at the nightclub, he sent a video message from his ESPN headquarters in Indianapolis, informing the players that their drinks were on him as a gesture of gratitude for their performance on the world stage.
Social media backlash triggers a defiant response at the NFL Combine
The gesture quickly drew a polarized reaction online. While many sports fans praised the move as a classic show of support for national heroes, a vocal minority accused McAfee of being "sexist and racist" for funding a men's-only celebration.
The roots of the sexism allegations appear tied to the broader political climate surrounding the Games, specifically a viral phone call from President Donald Trump to the men's locker room.
During that call, the President joked that he would "probably be impeached" if he did not also extend a White House invitation to the gold medal-winning women's hockey team.
McAfee addressed the accusations head-on during a live broadcast from the 2026 NFL Combine on Friday.
Refusing to apologize or back down, the former NFL punter characterized the critics as a small group of people who are "seemingly looking for melters to have" every day of their lives.
He argued that the act of buying the tab was an "obvious move" to honor a significant American achievement and that the negativity of a few should not overshadow the unity brought about by the team's victory.
"But we would like to let them know that you will never outweigh the happiness and the unity that sports bring, so you can all eat s**t," McAfee told his audience, effectively doubling down on his support for the team.