Renowned sports commentator and former NFL punter, Pat McAfee, is in the hot seat after making some rather inflammatory comments about Caitlin Clark on his show. McAfee called Clark a "white b----" while discussing her impact on the WNBA. What followed was a perfect storm of backlash, with terms like "racist" and "sexist" being thrown around more liberally than t-shirts at a minor league baseball game.

McAfee might have thought he was complimenting Clark, but as it turns out, the internet didn't quite receive it that way. Cue the age-old reminder: Words matter, folks. It wasn't long before he was publicly apologizing, explaining he had "way too much respect" for Clark and women to have meant any harm. Apparently, McAfee's compliment landed about as well as a lead balloon.

In a move that one might describe as "covert damage control," McAfee reached out to Clark through the Indiana Fever's public relations team to personally apologize. Clark, ever the sportswoman, responded that she did not feel disrespected and accepted the apology. One can only hope that Hallmark capitalizes on this and starts a line of "Sorry I Called You a [Expletive]" cards.

However, not everyone was so forgiving. Kendrick Perkins, former NBA player turned analyst, was quick to point out that McAfee owed more than just Clark an apology. Perkins suggested that a blanket apology to everyone, including viewers and listeners who had to endure the awkwardness, was in order.

The controversy didn't just hover around McAfee's word choice. The incident spiraled out shortly after Chennedy Carter's hip-check foul against Clark, which led to a flagrant-1 violation. It was a basketball foul, but McAfee's verbal foul—some might argue—was a flagrant-2. During the show, McAfee attempted to shine a light on Clark's contributions to the WNBA, pushing back against claims that her race played a role in her popularity.

At this heated intersection of race, gender, and sports, ESPN's role in McAfee's comments became a topic of debate. Some like to imagine the network deciding McAfee's fate in a dimly lit boardroom filled with smoke and existential dread. Given the outcry, there were calls for ESPN to take "drastic action" against him.

In a follow-up episode, McAfee took the opportunity to promote his new upcoming masterclass: "How Not to Comment on the WNBA." A course where he ensures you’ll never misuse a well-meaning compliment again, because—as he's painfully aware—intentions and reality can be as different as a touchdown and a fumble.

Clark's response reveals something about the resilience and grace often needed to navigate the sports world, particularly as a female athlete. While McAfee was left scrambling to save face, Clark’s acceptance of his apology seems to speak to her broader understanding of the context and perhaps even a recognition of McAfee’s genuine remorse.

So, here's some unsolicited advice for McAfee: If you're going to compliment someone on live television, maybe stick to the basics. A simple “She’s a phenomenal player” should suffice. Save the complex analogies and descriptors for your next novel. After all, it's better to be remembered for being boring than being controversial—unless you're aiming for a career shift to reality TV.

The world of sports commentary might never be the same post-McAfee-gate, with commentators everywhere suddenly viewing their word choices with a mix of fear and trepidation. And heck, maybe they'll even tune in to McAfee's masterclass to avoid landing in the next internet scandal—because if there’s anything more unforgiving than a 300-pound linebacker, it’s the court of public opinion.