In an era where misinformation spreads like wildfire, a single unfounded rumor has dramatically changed the life of Mary Kate Cornett, an 18-year-old freshman at the University of Mississippi. What began as an anonymous post on social media spiraled into a full-blown controversy that captured the attention of mainstream sports media, particularly through ESPN‘s Pat McAfee. Now, Cornett is seeking legal recourse against McAfee and ESPN, asserting that their amplification of the baseless gossip has ruined her life.
Ole Miss student’s life ‘ruined’ as ESPN’s Pat McAfee spreads false affair scandal
Speaking with The Athletic, Mary Kate Cornett made her stance clear: “I want people to be held accountable for what they’ve done.” The distressing allegations that she engaged in an affair with her boyfriend’s father have not only harmed her reputation but have also led to severe emotional and psychological turmoil.
The scandal originated on YikYak, an anonymous social media platform, before making its way onto X (formerly Twitter). Given the salacious nature of the accusation, it quickly went viral, catching the attention of sports media personalities, including Pat McAfee. On the February 26 episode of The Pat McAfee Show, the former NFL punter, known for his unfiltered commentary, chose to highlight the rumor while broadcasting from the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis.
With his signature bravado, McAfee teased his audience: “Have you heard about Ole Miss?” He then proceeded to describe the allegations without naming Cornett explicitly, but his statements left little doubt about the individuals involved.
At one point, McAfee’s colleague interjected with a crude remark: “Ole Miss dads are slinging meat right now.” The segment took a cringeworthy turn when ESPN’s respected NFL insider Adam Schefter, appearing visibly uncomfortable, attempted to steer the conversation back to football. Despite this, McAfee and his crew continued to joke about the situation, making light of a story that had already begun wreaking havoc on Cornett’s personal life.
The consequences of reckless commentary
For Cornett, the fallout was immediate and severe. What started as an unverified internet rumor soon escalated into a campaign of harassment. Her phone number was leaked online, leading to an influx of vile and degrading voicemails. Her family, too, became targets—her mother was subjected to a terrifying “swatting” incident in which armed police officers arrived at her Houston home after receiving a false emergency report.
In the interview with The Athletic, her father, Justin Cornett, described his helplessness: “The only way I could describe it is it’s like you’re walking with your daughter on the street, holding her hand, and a car mirror snags her shirt and starts dragging her down the road. And all you can do is watch.”
The relentless public scrutiny has forced Cornett to withdraw from her normal college routine. She now attends classes online, avoids social gatherings, and wears sunglasses and a hat whenever she dares to step outside. “I can’t even walk on campus without people taking pictures of me or screaming my name or saying super vulgar, disgusting things to me,” she told The New York Times.
Legal action against ESPN and Pat McAfee
Determined to hold those responsible accountable, Cornett has retained attorney Monica Uddin to explore legal avenues against McAfee, ESPN, and other media figures who propagated the falsehood.
“You’re ruining my life by talking about it on your show for nothing but attention, but here I am staying up until 5 in the morning, every night, throwing up, not eating because I’m so anxious about what’s going to happen for the rest of my life,” Cornett asserted.
Uddin, in a statement, suggested that legal action could also extend to those who profited from the scandal, including individuals who launched a memecoin exploiting Cornett’s name. “This is just a Wild West version of a very familiar problem,” she remarked. “It’s just that it’s even worse because it’s not a company. It’s an 18-year-old girl.”
Pat McAfee has built a lucrative career blending sports commentary with brash humor. His ESPN contract reportedly earns him $17 million annually, and his presence spans beyond sports, including a role as a WWE commentator. However, his approach has often teetered on the edge of controversy. His show even includes a disclaimer that reads: “p.s. Don’t sue us.”
Despite his influence, McAfee has remained silent on the matter, declining to respond to inquiries from The Athletic and other media outlets. ESPN, too, has refrained from commenting on the controversy.
Cornett’s case raises serious ethical concerns about the responsibility of sports media personalities in handling unverified rumors. While McAfee may argue that his show thrives on humor and speculation, the impact on real individuals cannot be ignored. The ease with which baseless gossip can be amplified by high-profile figures calls for a broader conversation about accountability in digital media.
What comes next?
Cornett, her family, and her legal team remain resolute in their pursuit of justice. With potential lawsuits on the horizon, the case could set a precedent for how media figures and platforms address misinformation.
Meanwhile, Cornett is left to pick up the pieces of a life shattered by reckless speculation. For her, the damage is not just reputational—it is deeply personal.
Also Read: Erin Andrews stuns fans with nostalgic cheerleading moves after Florida Gators’ thrilling NCAA Tournament win
“They don’t think it matters because they don’t know who I am and they think that I deserve it,” she said. “But I don’t.”
Get the latest IPL 2025 updates on Times of India, including match schedules, team squads, points table and IPL live score for CSK, MI, RCB, KKR, SRH, LSG, DC, GT, PBKS, and RR. Don’t miss the list of players in the race for IPL Orange Cap and IPL Purple cap.
