ESPN sideline reporter Molly McGrath has been criticized for trying to “racially bait” Marcus Freeman in the wake of Notre Dame's incredible win over Penn State.
The Fighting Irish's 27-24 victory takes them to this year's National Championship and, in turn, makes Freeman the first Black and Asian-American coach to accomplish the feat.
But while Freeman has continually tried to shut down any conversation about race, ESPN still tried to ask the question, angering social media.
Speaking on the field after the game, McGrath told Freeman, “You are the first black head coach to attend a college football National Championship game.” Just hearing that answer, how much does this mean to you?
In response, Freeman quickly shut down that line of questioning, saying, “I've said this before, I don't want to take the team's attention away.”
“It's an honor and I hope all coaches (minorities, blacks, Asians, whites, it doesn't matter, great people) continue to have opportunities to lead young men like this.
Marcus Freeman rejected a question about his career from ESPN reporter Molly McGrath
Fans praised Freeman, while also criticizing ESPN for the 'race-baiting' question of the coach.
“This isn't about me, it's about us, and we're going to celebrate what we've done, because it's something special.”
Fans quickly took to X to criticize ESPN and praise Freeman for his response to the line of questioning, with one writing: 'What a disgusting network (ESPN) has become.' Good on Coach Freeman for shutting up his “reporter.”
Another added: 'Why is ESPN trying to make everything about race or gender? Congratulations to Marcus Freeman for interrupting the journalist's 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 react? Focusing on the middle of Marcus Freeman's career.
“Freeman absolutely crushes his answer and says he hopes all coaches, regardless of race, have great opportunities like him.”
It is not the first time in recent weeks that ESPN has found itself in trouble, after the network decided not to broadcast the national anthem at the Sugar Bowl, 24 hours after the terrorist attack in New Orleans.
The New Year's Eve attack forced organizers to delay the game for 24 hours, where they then held a minute of silence for the victims and the traditional American national anthem.
McGrath is an ESPN sideline reporter who regularly covers college football in the United States.
ESPN criticized for 'throwing the race card' at Freeman 'several times'
None of which were aired by ESPN on the broadcast, sparking fury from those watching at home.
“Not showing the national anthem after a damn terrorist attack a few miles away is classic @espn f'you…” wrote one user on X.
Another posted: 'Did I miss the national anthem at the sugar bowl or did I wake up @espn not showing it?'
It is understood that SportsCenter had finished an interview with former quarterback Tim Tebow and went to a commercial before the moment of silence began. Coverage only resumed midway through the national anthem.