Former basketball coach Dan Dakich claimed on his podcast that Pat McAfee is 'the enemy at ESPN,' particularly to African American talents who align with Stephen A. Smith. He suggested that McAfee's rising popularity and earnings have fostered animosity, adding that McAfee himself views many at ESPN as adversaries. This claim adds to the ongoing narrative of tension between the two, which has been previously hinted at during a confrontation where McAfee reportedly insulted Smith. Despite reports of McAfee being banned from Smith's show 'First Take,' both parties have denied this. McAfee has also expressed frustration in booking NBA analysts for his own show, attributing the difficulties to scheduling conflicts. As both compete for resources within ESPN, Smith is rumored to be negotiating a lucrative new contract, further intensifying the rivalry.