ESPN puts ‘Kill Tony’s Tony Hinchcliffe on College Gameday and lives to rue the day

ESPN’s College GameDay used to be celebrated for its expert commentary, enthusiastic fans, and the occasional celebrity appearance. Now, it’s facing backlash for what many see as a questionable choice to give comedian Tony Hinchcliffe a microphone.

Hinchcliffe is known for his edgy, often controversial brand of comedy. He gained fame as the host of the live podcast Kill Tony, where aspiring comedians perform short sets and receive feedback. He’s also written for Comedy Central’s roast specials and has a Netflix special called One Shot. However, his reputation has been marred by controversy, particularly after a May 2021 incident where he used a racial slur and made fun of Asian stereotypes, leading to his agency dropping him and the cancellation of several shows.

Despite this, Hinchcliffe has maintained a loyal fan base and continues to perform. His unexpected appearance on ESPN’s College GameDay during the Week 8 broadcast in Austin, Texas, covering the highly anticipated matchup between No. 1 Texas and No. 5 Georgia, raised quite a few eyebrows. Hinchcliffe participated in a segment hosted by Pat McAfee, where a student attempts to kick a field goal for a prize.

While the expectation was that Hinchcliffe would bring humor to the event, he instead wasted little time making inappropriate comments, such as calling someone “brokeback Bob the Builder” and “prepubescent lesbian.”

The issue isn’t just Hinchcliffe’s controversial style; it’s that many find his humor unfunny. If ESPN was aiming to connect with a younger audience, they missed the mark spectacularly. There are plenty of talented comedians on platforms like YouTube and TikTok who could have added value without causing a scene. Instead, they chose someone whose remarks turned the sports show into a laughingstock.

Adding to the awkwardness, host Pat McAfee seemed visibly uncomfortable throughout Hinchcliffe’s segment. He struggled to keep the show moving while likely wishing he could distance himself from the situation.

As of now, ESPN has not issued any official statement regarding Hinchcliffe’s offensive comments or clarified their reasoning for inviting him onto the show. Given the negative online reactions to his appearance, it wouldn’t be surprising if there were consequences for this clear misjudgment.