ESPN sideline reporter Molly McGrath has faced significant backlash for a question posed to Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman following his team’s thrilling 27-24 victory over Penn State in the Orange Bowl. The win not only secured Notre Dame a spot in the National Championship but also made Freeman the first Black and Asian American head coach to lead a team to the title game in college football history.
Despite Freeman’s repeated efforts to keep the focus on his team’s accomplishments rather than his racial identity, McGrath asked him on the field:
“You are the first Black head coach to go to a National Championship game in college football. Just hearing that response alone, how much does this mean to you?”
Freeman, maintaining his composure, quickly pivoted the conversation to celebrate his players and staff, steering away from the focus on race.
“I’ve said this before, I don’t ever want to take attention away from the team,” Freeman responded. “It is an honor, and I hope all coaches—minorities, Black, Asian, White, it doesn’t matter, great people—continue to get opportunities to lead young men like this. This ain’t about me; this is about us, and we’re going to celebrate what we’ve done, because it’s something special.”
RELATED: Ryan Day Lauds Jack Sawyer’s Game-Sealing Play: ‘He Just Became a Legend at Ohio State’
Social Media Backlash
Fans and commentators took to social media, criticizing ESPN for what many viewed as an attempt to “race-bait” and detract from Notre Dame’s historic team achievement.
- “What a disgusting network ESPN has become. Good on Coach Freeman for shutting down your ‘reporter,’” one user wrote on X.
- “Why does ESPN try to make everything about race or gender? Kudos to Marcus Freeman for interrupting that pattern,” another added.
- Clay Travis, founder of OutKick, also weighed in, tweeting: “Notre Dame just won its biggest game since 1988. How does @espn react? By focusing on one half of Marcus Freeman’s race. Freeman absolutely crushes his answer and says he hopes all coaches, regardless of race, get great opportunities like he did.”
Context of Criticism
This is not the first time ESPN has faced accusations of politicizing its coverage or drawing unnecessary attention to sensitive topics. Recently, the network sparked controversy during its broadcast of the Sugar Bowl, when it opted not to air the national anthem or a moment of silence held in honor of victims of a terror attack in New Orleans.
Fans watching at home were quick to express their frustration, with one writing, “Not showing the national anthem after a terrorist attack just miles away is classic @espn.” Another added, “Did I miss the national anthem, or did woke @espn not show it?”
ESPN later clarified that its coverage cut to a commercial following an interview with Tim Tebow, resuming only midway through the anthem. Still, the omission further fueled perceptions of insensitivity and misjudgment.
Freeman’s Grace Under Pressure
Despite the controversy surrounding McGrath’s question, Freeman’s poised and inclusive response earned widespread praise. His comments highlighted a desire for equity and opportunity for all, regardless of race, while emphasizing the collective effort behind Notre Dame’s success.
Freeman has maintained a consistent stance on keeping the spotlight on his team rather than his personal milestones. With Notre Dame now preparing for the National Championship, Freeman’s leadership and focus remain firmly on the task at hand—delivering the Fighting Irish their first title since 1988.
