Asinine Political Correctness

Extremism rules the day and it’s not only in politics. You can’t speak the truth anymore. It’s pure silliness, this political correctness phobia that almost makes it a crime to comment on the obvious, especially when it concerns a  woman or, for that matter, a man.

Take veteran sportscaster Brent Musburger who was in the television booth for the disappointing college championship game between Alabama and Notre Dame and who made a harmless remark that ESPN later issued an apology for the broadcaster. During the telecast, as is customary, the camera zeroed in on people in the crowd, especially if the spectators have a connection with the game, such as the parents of players.

The camera focused on Katherine Webb, girlfriend of Alabama quarterback A. J. McCarron, who was seated with the player’s mother. A former Miss Alabama USA 2012, Miss Webb is a beautiful lady. All Musburger said was this: “Wow, I’m telling you, quarterbacks; You get all the good-looking women. What a beautiful woman, Wow!”

Why would that offend anybody? Musburger, 73, knows a beautiful woman when he sees one. He’s been around. Millions and millions of people viewed the telecast. They would agree with the announcer’s comment. It was harmless. Since the game was an Alabama blowout, it added to the color because the color at times was more interesting and newsworthy than the game.

We doubt if Miss Webb was offended. She’s in the national spotlight now and who knows what benefits lie ahead for this attractive lady.

The day after the game, ESPN issued this statement: “We always try to capture interesting story lines, 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 far, and Brent understands that.” Baloney!

Brent told the truth. He had nothing to apologize for. Did Miss Webb complain? It was a compliment. Since when is it wrong to compliment a woman? Many quarterbacks date and marry beautiful women and since they are the leaders of the teams they play for, in the spotlight often, well, that makes them attractive, too.  

ESPN ought to be the one to apologize for its apology. What a spineless position to take!