While many observers called Brent Musburger "creepy," Katherine Webb says she's "flattered" by the ESPN broadcaster's comments on her beauty.
"I think the media has been really unfair to him," the 23-year-old Miss Alabama said of Musburger, 73, in an interview on Wednesday's edition of the Today show.
"I think that if he would have said ... that we were hot or sexy or made any derogatory statements like that, I think that would have been a little bit different. But the fact that he said we were beautiful and gorgeous, I don't see why any woman wouldn't be flattered by that."
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It's not clear why she used "we" rather than "I," because Webb was the only woman Musburger singled out in the stands at Monday night's BSC game between Alabama State and Notre Dame. The Auburn University graduate -- who now lives in Los Angeles -- was there to support her boyfriend, Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron, and her presence prompted Musburger to publicly drool, declaring on live TV: "Well, I tell you, you quarterbacks, you get all the good-looking women! What a beautiful woman! ... "So if you're a youngster at Alabama, start getting the football out and throw it around the backyard with pops."
With those Jose Biden-esque, off-the-cuff remarks, the internet promptly exploded with mockery at Musburger's expense. And in an instant, Webb's Twitter account gained thousands upon thousands of new followers (current tally: 220,448). ESPN issued an apology later Tuesday, saying: "We always try to capture interesting storylines and the relationship between an Auburn grad who is Miss Alabama and the current Alabama quarterback certainly met that test. However, we apologize that the commentary in this instance went too farm and Brent understands that."
The diplomatic beauty queen insists the sports network's statement wasn't necessary.
"Of course I appreciate it but, at the same time, I don't think that I needed an apology," she told Matt Lauer, adding: "I'm flattered at all the attention and I'm humbled. But the same time I think we need to kind of draw back our focus to who the real winners are. But the same time, I'll do whatever I can to help the team out and support AJ and do all that."
Before ending their interview, Lauer advised Webb to "enjoy the couple of minutes, at least enjoy the popularity."
Twitter: @ErinLCarlson
Email: erin.carlson@thr.com
