A Miss on Miss Alabama
Political correctness went too far when ESPN apologized for its broadcasters' appreciation of Miss Alabama's beauty.
A Miss on Miss Alabama
John Baer, Daily News Political Columnist
One (of many) of the bad parts of politics is the out-of-control enforcement of political correctness.
And there is no better current example than the ruckus over broadcasters' comments on the beauty of a beauty queen during Monday night's national collegiate football championship game.
A news story in Wednesday's New York Times is one of dozens carrying headlines such as "Musburger Under Fire for Remarks During Game."
If you missed it -- and don't see how you could have -- ESPN issued an apology for veteran Brent Musburger's remarks regarding the girlfriend of Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron. She was sitting in the stands with her boyfriend's parents. She happens to be the current Miss Alabama.
As the camera focused on 23-year old Katherine Webb, Musburger and broadcast partner Kirk Herbstreit traded comments regarding the plainly obvious fact that she is gorgeous.
"What a beautiful woman," said Brent.
"Wow!" said Kirk.
"You quarterbacks get all the good-looking women," said Brent, a reference to the fact Kirk was an Ohio State QB who married an Ohio State cheerleader.
"AJ's doing some things right down in Tuscaloosa," said Kirk.
Now maybe it's me but I think that a beautiful woman who enters beauty pageants probably is used to and doesn't much mind the attention of those who appreciate beauty.
In fact, even though some labeled Musburger as "gushing" and "creepy," the lovely Miss Alabama later told the Associated Press, "I didn't look at it as creepy at all...it was kind of nice."
So who is ESPN apologizing to? College football fans who don't want to look at stunning women?
Or was it just that Musburger's in his 70's and Webb is in her 20's? And, if so, shouldn't there be some group complaining about charges of ageism?
Give me a freakin' break. There are enough real problems in this country to worry about. And sports broadcasters (or anybody) who harmlessly express appreciation of natural, God-given gifts, are not among them.
get over it, he's ok, she's ok— gmr18901- Nothing wrong with the comments or attention given to Ms Webb. The problem comes from the complainers who think they can tell everyone else what to say, who to look at and who deserves attention. The game was a lop-sided destruction of the over-hyped ND football team. The young woman has a connection to the quarterback on Alabama, so what is the problem?— Getinline
- Incidentally, Ms Webb was interviewed on national tv today. She thought the comments were flattery and specifically mentioned that none of Musberger's comments were out of line.— Getinline
- Brent is getting old, give him a break. Most older guys say things that they should not. But she is pretty hot. He actually made a horrible game entertaining.— zippy1346
- Did he also point out what a dope she is?— Bartleby
- Where is the outrage about the QB's mother who elbowed this young lady out of the way to get to where the pictures were being taken?— junethe4th
John is the author of the book "On The Front Lines of Pennsylvania Politics: Twenty-Five Years of Keystone Reporting" (The History Press, 2012). Reach John at baerj@phillynews.com.
