Wheel of Fortune fans slam Pat Sajak as ‘arrogant & mean-spirited’ as he ‘shades’ player during important game moment

WHEEL of Fortune’s Pat Sajak has picked on a contestant to a “mean-spirited” degree on Thursday, according to viewers.

As Nick played the bonus round, the host made a range of remarks including refusing to shake his hand.

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Nick missed this puzzle looking for “If you know what I mean”Credit: ABC

Afterward, Pat told him he “won’t” shake his handCredit: ABC
Nick, who revealed he and his husband adopted twins who came two weeks after signing up with an agency, was all smiles arriving in the Wheel of Fortune bonus round.

He chose “phrase,” and despite seeming upbeat, Pat, 75, said: “Boy the enthusiasm,” with an eye roll.

“You could cut it with a plastic knife.”

As Pat and Nick stood over by the wheel for him to choose his prize wedge, the host oddly added: “In a few minutes, this will all be over.”

“That’s all I’m looking forward to!” Nick nervously joked back, looking unsure why the host was acting so over it.

Nick then revealed his husband Sean was standing by for his big spin.

Nick chose an “A, M, C, and P” as Pat, 75, admitted: “Not a lot of help but maybe you can put it together.

‘I WON’T SHAKE YOUR HAND’

As the 10-second timer began, and with only seven letters in the entire six-word phrase, Nick did have an impressively close guess.

“Do you know what I mean!?” he announced and looked over at Pat thinking that had to be it.

“No,” the host simply said back, no further encouragement or hint given.

Nick had no further guesses and just stared, repeating his first guess.

“Well you had the right idea and you were right there, the first word was ‘if'” Pat broke the silence.

“I know that’s frustrating,” he added as Vanna White, 64, held her hands together and looked disappointed.

“I won’t shake your hand,” Pat awkwardly added, “You did just fine.”

‘MEAN!’

One fan wrote on Twitter: “Is Pat Sajak plain old arrogant or just mean-spirited with comments at others’ expense?

He acts like if he isn’t top dog he needs to bring someone else down. Not very attractive.”

Another viewer posted: “Come on, Pat. Quit shading the contestant during the bonus round.”

‘GETTING NEAR THE END’

Pat recently gave a strong hint that he is preparing to retire.

The Chicago native has hosted the show since 1981, with his co-host Vanna joining him the following year.

During an interview with Entertainment Tonight in September, he said: “Years go by fast. We’re getting near the end.

“It’s been a long [time]. We’re not going to do this for another 40 years.” – meanwhile Vanna called the idea of a retirement “depressing”.

Pat’s popularity plummeted in September after a photo resurfaced showing him alongside a controversial political figure.

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Pat joked he could “cut Nick’s enthusiasm with a butter knife” although the contestant didn’t seem unenthusedCredit: ABC

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Nick then revealed his husband was waiting in the wingsCredit: ABC

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After Nick went home with $17,000 instead of $67,000, Pat said: “I won’t shake your hand. You did just fine.”Credit: ABC