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Topics: Wrestling, US Sports, United States, MMA
A college wrestler has sparked outrage after seemingly attacking the Islamic faith.
Penn State athlete Aaron Brooks was conducting a post-match interview with ESPN when he claimed Muhammad is a false prophet.
His comments have now started circulating online, angering viewers.
Brooks had just won his third consecutive individual NCAA title, defeating Northern Iowa’s Parker Keckeisen in the 184-pound final.
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But when he was interviewed by ESPN after the victory, the 22-year-old decided to profess his belief in Jesus Christ, while also having a dig at Islam
"It’s everything. Christ’s resurrection is everything," Brooks said into the microphone.
"Not just his life, his death and resurrection. You can only get that through him. The Holy Spirit only through him. No false prophets, no Muhammad or no anyone else. Only Jesus Christ himself."
He added: "I’m blessed. God used me. He gave me this platform for this right here… It’s all for his glory."
Incredibly, NCAA Wrestling's official Twitter account posted footage of the interview – before swiftly deleting it upon receiving backlash.
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One person who was quick to call it out was respected MMA reporter Ariel Helwani.
He tweeted: "What a strange and disrespectful thing to say. What the. Pretty darn weird. Not to mention offensive to Muslims. Also can’t believe they put the clip and posted it on Twitter!"
Others soon joined in, one person saying
Meanwhile, some people took issue with the NCAA initially posting the clip of the remarks.
Neither the NCAA, ESPN or Brooks himself have issued a statement on the matter since the exchange aired on live prime time television.
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In the past, Brooks very vocal about his faith, often using Bible verses as captions for his posts on social media.
Just last year, he told the Penn State student newspaper: "This platform is great to wrestle on, but it’s to glorify God.
"This stuff comes and goes. I’m blessed with this opportunity, these gifts. They’re not mine. He gives them to me to bring glory to him."