ESPN McCarron Apology: Brent Musberger 'Went Too Far' Gushing About Miss Alabama Katherine Webb, Network Says [VIDEO]

The world became enthralled with Miss Alabama Katherine Webb as she cheered on boyfriend and Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback A.J. McCarron during Monday night’s 2013 Discover BCS National Championship game between the Tide and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

While viewers of the title game were able to gush about Webb in the privacy of their homes, ESPN play-by-play announcer Brent Musberger broadcast his admiration for A.J. McCarron’s girlfriend to the world.

ESPN has since issued an apology on Musberger’s behalf, saying the 73-year-old announcer crossed the line during his 30-second spiel about Webb, who gained national attention while cheering on McCarron. You can view the video above and decide whether you think an apology was necessary.

“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 far and Brent understands that,” tweeted ESPN’s Mike Soltys.

Late in the first quarter of the 2013 BCS National Championship, ESPN cameras focused on Webb. The Crimson Tide routed the Fighting Irish, 42-14, for Alabama’s second consecutive BCS title and third in four years.

“You see that lovely lady there. She does go to [Crimson Tide rival] Auburn, I want to admit that. But she’s also Miss Alabama and that’s A.J. McCarron’s girlfriend,” Musberger noted to ESPN’s audience. “You quarterbacks, you get all the good-looking women. What a beautiful woman!”

Musberger’s broadcasting partner, former Ohio State quarterback Kirk Herbstreit, also chimed in, saying McCarron’s “doing some things right down there in Tuscaloosa,” referring to the Alabama city where the Crimson Tide campus is situated.

Musberger then gave some advice to young boys growing up in the Cotton State.

“If you’re a youngster in Alabama, start getting the football out and throw it around the backyard with pop,” Musberger said.

Country music star Charlie Daniels said there was no need for ESPN to issue an apology about Webb.

“I saw nothing wrong with Brent Musberger pointing out AJ McCarron's girlfriend in the stands at the national championship game [Monday] night,” the singer tweeted.

Webb’s notoriety after ESPN cameras turned to her shot through the roof. She had fewer than 80,000 Twitter followers before Tuesday night and now has more than 225,000 followers.

Miss Alabama said she appreciated her new admirers, but said her boyfriend and his national championship-winning teammates are the ones who deserve praise.

"I'm flattered ... but I think we need to draw back our focus to who the real winners are,” Webb said during an appearance on the “Today” show on Wednesday.