Aaron Rodgers 'was just trying to talk s---' when he made Jimmy Kimmel-Epstein link, Pat McAfee says

Rodgers linked Kimmel to Jeffrey Epstein on Tuesday

ESPN host Pat McAfee on Wednesday addressed the controversial remark Aaron Rodgers made when he attached Jimmy Kimmel’s name to Jeffrey Epstein’s client list during their program this week.

Rodgers' remark prompted Kimmel to offer a fiery response and threatened to get lawyers involved.

McAfee, the former Indianapolis Colts punter, equated the comments Rodgers made to "talk s---" and apologized for "being a part of" the drama that came about afterward.

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Aaron Rodgers on the sidelines

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers looks on from the sideline during the first half against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium in Cleveland on Dec. 28, 2023. (Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports)

"I can see why Jimmy Kimmel felt the way he felt especially with his position about but I think Aaron was just trying to talk s---," McAfee said. "Now, did it go too far? Jimmy Kimmel certainly said that was the case. 

"We obviously don’t like that fact that we’re associated with anything negative ever. We like our show to be an uplifting one. A happy one. A fun one. But it’s because we talk s--- and try to make light of everything, some things obviously people get very p---ed off about especially when they’re that serious of allegations."

McAfee added, "Hopefully those two will be able to settle this."

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Rodgers’ remark appeared to be just another page in the ongoing feud between the two.

Pat McAfee at the Cotton Bowl

ESPN analyst Pat McAfee reacts prior to a game between the Missouri Tigers and Ohio State Buckeyes during the Goodyear Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium on Dec. 29, 2023 in Arlington, Texas.

"There’s a lot of people, including Jimmy Kimmel, who are really hoping that doesn’t come out," Rodgers said. "I'll tell you what, if that list comes out, I definitely will be popping some sort of bottle."

Kimmel, whose show runs on ABC, took a shot at Rodgers in March before he was traded to the Jets when he talked about theories of UFOs being shot down in the midst of the Chinese spy balloon scandal.

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"Needless to say, all this UFO talk has the tinfoil-hatters going wild, including Green Bay whack Packer Aaron Rodgers, who offered this hot take on ‘The Pat McAfee Show,’" Kimmel said before leading into a clip where Rodgers made note of potential names of Jeffrey Epstein’s client list being released.

"Might be time to revisit that concussion protocol," Kimmel quipped.

Kimmel did not appear to be laughing at the jab he took from Rodgers on McAfee’s show and threatened to get lawyers involved if he kept it up.

Kimmel and Rodgers

Aaron Rodgers, right, and Jimmy Kimmel are in the midst of a feud. (Getty Images)

"For the record, I’ve not met, flown with, visited, or had any contact whatsoever with Epstein, nor will you find my name on any ‘list’ other than the clearly-phony nonsense that soft-brained wackos like yourself can’t seem to distinguish from reality," Kimmel wrote on X. "Your reckless words put my family in danger. Keep it up and we will debate the facts further in court."

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Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.

Authored by Ryan Gaydos via FoxNews January 3rd 2024