ESPN sideline reporter Molly McGrath has been criticized for trying to “race” Marcus Freeman in the aftermath of Notre Dame’s incredible victory over Penn State.
The Fighting Irish’s 27-24 victory advances them to this year’s National Championship and in turn makes Freeman the first Black and Asian American coach to accomplish the feat.
But even though Freeman has continually tried to suppress any discussion of race, ESPN still tried to ask the question — and it infuriated social media.
McGrath told Freeman on the field after the game, “You’re the first black head coach to go to a national championship game in college football. Just hearing this answer, how much does this mean to you?’
In response, Freeman quickly ended the series of questions, saying, “I’ve said this before, I never want to take the attention away from the team.
“It’s an honor and I hope that all coaches – minorities, black, Asian, white, it doesn’t matter, great people – continue to have opportunities to lead young men in this way.
Marcus Freeman batted away a question about his race from ESPN reporter Molly McGrath
Fans praised Freeman, while also criticizing ESPN for its “race-baiting” question to the coach
“This isn’t about me, this is about us, and we’re going to celebrate what we’ve done because it’s something special.”
Fans quickly took to [ESPN] has become. Good on Coach Freeman for taking out your ‘reporter.’
Another added, “Why is ESPN trying to make everything about race or gender? Kudos to Marcus Freeman for breaking the reporter pattern.”
Meanwhile, Outkick founder Clay Travis added fuel to the fire by posting, “Notre Dame just won its biggest game since 1988.” How does @espn respond? By focusing on one half of Marcus Freeman’s race.
“Freeman absolutely rejects his answer and says he hopes all coaches, regardless of race, have great opportunities like he did.”
This is not the first time in recent weeks that ESPN has run into trouble, after the network decided not to air the national anthem at the Sugar Bowl, 24 hours after the terror attack in New Orleans.
The attack on New Year’s Eve forced organizers to postpone the match for 24 hours, after which they held a minute’s silence for the victims and the traditional American national anthem.
McGrath is a sideline reporter for ESPN who regularly covers college football in the United States
ESPN was criticized for ‘throwing the race card at Freeman multiple times’
Neither was played by ESPN during the broadcast, sparking anger among those watching at home.
“Not playing the national anthem after a damn terrorist attack just miles away is classic @espn f’you…,” one user wrote on X.
Another wrote: “Did I miss the national anthem at the sugar bowl, or did @espn not show it?”
It is understood that SportsCenter had wrapped up an interview with former quarterback Tim Tebow and had cut to a commercial before the moment of silence began. Reporting did not resume until halfway through the anthem.