Model Kate Upton flaunts on the cover "Sports Illustrated 2012 Swimsuit Issue."
(AP Photo/Walter Iooss Jr. for Sports Illustrated)
(USA TODAY) -- Is Kate Upton dating New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez?
When the new Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue cover girl stopped by The Ellen DeGeneres Show, - airing today, Upton got grilled about the cover ("What is the bottom? That's not a bathing suit. ... That is ridiculous!) and the rumors about her romantic life. Ellen also offers Kate, an equestrian, a new pair of riding pants.
Photo Gallery: Kate Upton, Sports Illustrated Cover Girl
Here's how it goes:
Ellen: "Your boyfriend, New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez. How does he feel about this (the cover)?"
Kate: "I did not have a Valentine's date this year."
Ellen: "OK, so he was busy. So how does your boyfriend Mark Sanchez feel about all this? He must be proud, right?"
Kate: "Well, even if I had a boyfriend. I wouldn't ask how he felt about it."
Ellen: "You wouldn't ask?"
Kate: "No."
Ellen: "He would just tell you, though. Has he told you? Your boyfriend Mark Sanchez? I'm just guessing that it's him. Is it him?"
Kate: "Do you want it to be him?"
Ellen: "Yeah."
Kate: "Why?"
Ellen: "He's cute. Don't you think he's cute?'
Kate: "Yeah, he is cute."
Ellen: "Have you met him before?"
Kate: "I met him. My sister works for the Jets. She's been working there for four years. So I went to all the games."
Ellen: "So now you're dating him?"
Kate: "I met him briefly."
Ellen: "How long have you all been dating?"
Kate: "I don't know what you're talking about ..."
Ellen: "She's dating Mark Sanchez ..."
Ann Oldenburg, USA TODAY