JOE Namath has apologized to ESPN sideline reporter Suzy Kolber following Saturday’s embarrassing interview in which Namath told Kolber he wanted to kiss her.

“Joe apologized,” Kolber said in a statement. “I accepted. It’s over.” Namath made the apology during a phone call to Kolber Monday night.

Jets VP of public relations Ron Colangelo said Namath told Kolber he felt bad for putting her in an awkward position. Both Namath and Kolber declined to be interviewed.

During Saturday night’s Jet game, Kolber asked Namath to explain what the Jets’ recent struggles meant to him. Instead of answering the question, Namath leaned down toward Kolber and said, “I want to kiss you.” He then added some analysis about Chad Pennington.

Kolber acknowledged Namath’s pass by saying, “Thanks, Joe. A huge compliment.”

Namath capped off the interview by again saying, “I want to kiss you” before he was cut off.

Namath serves as a goodwill ambassador for the Jets but has no official capacity with the team.