Radio host Craig Carton defends asking 21-year-old NFL pick Zach Wilson about his 'really hot' mom


A New York City radio host has defended his interview with the Jets’ new quarterback, in which he asked 21-year-old Zach Wilson about his ‘really hot’ mother.

Craig Carton, 52, spoke to Wilson on Friday during his WFAN show – the day after Wilson was picked second in the draft.

The Jets took Wilson, from Draper, Utah, one selection after the Jacksonville Jaguars kicked off the draft.

Wilson was seen celebrating on Thursday night with his mother Lisa, a fitness instructor and Instagram cooking show host, and she began trending.

Zach Wilson with his mother Lisa at the NFL draft in Cleveland, Ohio, on Thursday night

Zach Wilson with his mother Lisa at the NFL draft in Cleveland, Ohio, on Thursday night

Wilson on Thursday night was chosen second in the first round of the NFL draft

Wilson on Thursday night was chosen second in the first round of the NFL draft

Wilson, seen in 2019, played his college football at Brigham Young University in Utah

Wilson, seen in 2019, played his college football at Brigham Young University in Utah

‘Your mom has become the lead story,’ Carton told Wilson.

‘And I say that respectfully because people are like, ‘the star of the first round of the draft is Mrs Wilson because she’s a very attractive woman.’

Lisa Wilson shares fitness routines and cooking tips with her 10,000 Instagram followers

Lisa Wilson shares fitness routines and cooking tips with her 10,000 Instagram followers

‘And I’m just wondering how awkward that is for you, that you just got picked second overall in the draft, and the focus is, wow, his mom is really hot.

‘I’m sure you’ve dealt with this your whole life, but now it’s playing out on Broadway. How awkward is that for you?’

Wilson, one of six siblings, appeared unflustered by the question, replying: ‘Yeah, it’s not my favorite for sure.

‘I like to keep her out of the spotlight. She’s an awesome lady and I love having her support.’

Carton responded: ‘I respect that. And I had to bring it up.’

His comments drew criticism online, with listeners irritated by his ‘inappropriate’ question.

Craig Carton defended his questioning of Zach Wilson, during a Thursday interview

Craig Carton defended his questioning of Zach Wilson, during a Thursday interview

‘He’s a kid,’ said one listener. ‘Inappropriate. Takes some shine off his big moments.’

Another accused him of having ‘no class’, telling him: ‘No reason to even bring it up.’

Another said: ‘Bro I love you. But you were wrong for asking that question about his mom.’ 

Carton returned to WFAN in November, having served a little more than a year in federal prison for fraud after carrying out a multi-million dollar ticket resale Ponzi scheme.

Carton addressed the criticisms in a tweet later on Friday night, and defended the question.

‘Appreciate how sensitive u r but b sure 2 listen 2 what I said versus what u assume I said. I asked him how awkward it was that the Post wrote story about his moms looks, also the #1 trending topic online all day. I didnt ask him bout (sic) her looks or 2comment on them. Big difference.’

Wilson was chosen by the Jets on graduating with a construction management major from Brigham Young University, a private university owned by the Mormons.

Zach Wilson, who has three brothers and two sisters, with his mother Lisa and father Michael

Zach Wilson, who has three brothers and two sisters, with his mother Lisa and father Michael

‘You never truly know until it happens on draft day, but this is what I was hoping for – this is what me and my family were praying for, is to be in this situation and go play for the Jets,’ said Wilson on Thursday night.

‘When you can be a key piece that actually flips an organization around, I think that’s so special.

‘So I’m excited, me along with this new coaching staff as well, to go in there and try to do the best we can to flip this thing around.’

Wilson, who wore uniform No. 1 in his last five seasons of high school and college football, turns 22 in August, when he is due to start at the Jets training camp.

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