ESPN suspends analyst Parker for comments about RGIII
ESPN announced on its website Friday that it has suspended commentator Rob Parker, who questioned the “blackness” of Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III while on the air a day earlier.
“Following yesterday’s comments, Rob Parker has been suspended until further notice,” spokesman Jos Krulewitz said in a statement. “We are conducting a full review.”
The spokesman made no further comment on the matter.
ESPN earlier quickly responded to the racially charged comments, calling them “inappropriate” and hinting the network may take some action against him.
“The comments were inappropriate and we are evaluating our next steps,” David Scott, ESPN’s director of communications, said on Twitter.
During a segment of ESPN’s “First Take” on Thursday, Parker said:
“Is he a brother, or is he a cornball brother?
“He’s not really. He’s black, he kind of does his thing, but he’s not really down with the cause. He’s not one of us. He’s kind of black, but he’s not really like the guy you really want to hang out with, because he’s off to something else.
“… I want to find about about him. I don’t know because I keep hearing these things. We all know he has a white fiancée, then there was all this talk about he’s a Republican. … I’m just trying to dig deeper into why he has an issue because we did find out with Tiger Woods — Tiger Woods was like ‘I have black skin but don’t call me black.’”
Parker’s comments came in the wake of remarks Griffin made after practice Wednesday — in response to reporters’ questions about race — and reported in USA Today:
“For me, you don’t ever want to be defined by the color of your skin. You want to be defined by your work ethic, the person that you are, your character, your personality. That’s what I’ve tried to go out and do.
“I am an African-American in America. That will never change. But I don’t have to be defined by that.”
Griffin’s father told USA Today that Parker “needs to define what ‘one of us’ is. That guy needs to define that. I wouldn’t say it’s racism. I would just say some people put things out there about people so they can stir things up,” Robert Griffin II said.
“Robert is in really good shape on who he is, where he needs to get to in order to seek the goals he has in life … so I don’t take offense.”
RGIII didn’t respond directly but he did tweet that “I’m thankful for a lot of things in life and one of those things is your support. Thank you.”
(Commenting closed. Please enjoy the wide range of views on this topic)
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357 comments Add your comment
Christian Conservative Who Happens to Be Black
December 14th, 2012
9:22 am
I go through the same thing. My skin is Black but who I am really is a Christian, love it or hate it. I applaud RG3, for a man should be known be his character, not his race/culture. I have many Black people attack me for my views: defense of traditional marriage, fiscal conservative, less government, take responsibility for my own life and not look to the government, Pro Life, not be prejudice towards but walk in love towards all. They ridicule me, but I just keep loving them and I keep prospering. I gave up trying to be down with the cause some time ago because often it contradicted my belief system. I believe that what I believe will lift Black people up instead of being so concerned about being down with the cause.
blackhemi4x4
December 14th, 2012
9:23 am
Most people here dont really know what the term racist is. Rob is not a racist, but said some racial comments that were inappropriate.
Robert Griffin III, “I am an African-American in America. That will never change. But I don’t have to be defined by that.” WTH. He was born in Okinawa Island. Last I checked, that has nothing to do with Africa. His parents were stationed there so hes is just an American, or BLACK AMERICAN for those who want to add to the American title.
stopthemorons
December 14th, 2012
9:23 am
He said exactly what MLK said. Be defined by the content of your character, not by the color of your skin. Parker is a racist and is calling out RG III because he wants to be a man first. It is always best to be the finest whatever you are first and then everything else comes after. With the racist attitude of Parker the US will never be totally united. With Parker if you are black you have to be a brother first and everything else doesn’t matter. Now ESPN has to be careful because if they take action against Parker they will certainly be labeled racist. Parker’s comments were inappropriate and totally wrong.
Roger Goodell Must Go
December 14th, 2012
9:23 am
No one knew who was Rob Parker48 hrs ago but now everybody knows he is an a–hole
treaddawg
December 14th, 2012
9:24 am
The human race is in the process of trancscending its racist past. We are looking in the rearview mirror at you Parker, as well as the David Duke types. The world is moving on with you or without you. RG3 is ahead of the curve, a great example for young people of all colors.
Chris
December 14th, 2012
9:28 am
Rob Parker is a complete waste of a human being. This is the same man that trashed our city last year before the Falcons/Giants playoff game.
What exactly did RG3 say to offend Mr. Parker as a black man anyway? That he likes to work hard and earn the things given to him? That he wants to be recognized for who he is and what he accomplishes instead of by the way he looks? Aren’t these the things we all want for ourselves?
I guess Rob Parker isn’t satisfied with black athletes unless they’re out at clubs, getting drunk with two women on each arm every night. I’m sorry, but I think the celebrity world has enough of these kind of people from all races. It’s refreshing to see a young man who has his prioroties straight and wants to do things the right way.
I really hope ESPN drops the guillotine on this man. He deserves nothing less.
joe
December 14th, 2012
9:29 am
@ vote for obama….it’s people like you with your mentality who are ruining this country. RG3 has an intelligent mind and he can think and act for himself. He chose to bust his butt, work hard and make something with his life.
There’s a lot of people in this country who have talent to do anything they put their minds to. However, they choose to sit back and their arse and collect government checks and have 8 kids because they know that is more $$ from uncle sam. This pathetic classless frame of mind is exactly our problem today and why we are on the path to becoming Greece (for you uniformed, that means a socialist country where more than 50% of the people are takers and less than 50% pay for their entitlements).
Ray
December 14th, 2012
9:29 am
@ itpdude
Maybe so, but look at Barack Obama do they call him white that’s the invisible 1% blood rule. If you don’t believe it exist well keep trucking along. I’m just letting you know that’s ignorance at it’s finest.
That’s, and who knows maybe they do question Tiger about how Asian are you we’ll never know that. Honestly I bet some of the Asias also don’t like you marrying out of race.
bdawg
December 14th, 2012
9:30 am
It’s not in good taste whether its coming from a black or white. The kid deserves more.
TG2
December 14th, 2012
9:32 am
“Poisonous snakes” can be black too! I do not understand why there is a perception that if you are a “black” person, you are expected to act, speak and/or dress a certain way. What’s even worse…a large number of people in the “black” community perpetuate this stereotypical perception by verbally “sand-blasting” those that do not fit the mold of the stereotypical “black” person in their ignorant minds, which Rob Parker has clearly demonstrated. As a Black man in America…I believe that each individual (black or white) is judged on his or her morals and actions, which determines each individual’s success or failure in achieving their goals in life. When will people realize that such stereotypical behavior is ignorant and stifling? RGIII is the kind of man our community should hold in high regard and present to our young males as a role model!
Sylvia
December 14th, 2012
9:33 am
Why question Mr. Parker remarks? On the inside this is what he feels. It is what it is.
Junior Samples
December 14th, 2012
9:37 am
Good for RG III. I am a new fan.
Old Violin
December 14th, 2012
9:38 am
I am a RGIII fan ! I am white ! I might even be a “Cornball brother”, because I believe in treating others with respect, not because of the color of their skin, but because of the content of their character ! I am not a racist, have never been a racist and hope I’ve never been considered one by anyone who truly knows my character ! I feel that there is a double standard used by some people and I think that is wrong ! I am 100% for a level playing field where anyone/everyone willing to work hard can succeed in any endeavor they choose. At the same time, I will defend my property, my friends and my family from any attempts to take what I/we have worked hard to have in life. And finally…..I am not an Obama supporter because he scares me with his decisions and his Non Christian “In your face” attitude……I wish you a Merry Christmas, and aProsperous Happy New Year !
Foosball Fanatic
December 14th, 2012
9:38 am
Parker’s comments are the beginning of the “Donavan McNabbing” of RGIII by the sportsworld.
Parker’s comments were his own personal prejudice shaped by his own worldview and experience which make it difficult for him to accept the young man beyond his abilities and talent on the football field. As a paid sports commentator he should keep his comments, assessments and views limited to the field of play. Besides Parker probably would not hang with people like Kaseem Reed, Colin Powell, Barack Obama, or Andrew Young either, as he would probably label them “cornball brothers” too.
crimson 1
December 14th, 2012
9:39 am
Parker may have went over the line however I do question the mindset of successful black men who seem hellbent on being accepted by white America. OJ, Tiger Woods, Justice Thomas, etc. These guys don’t represent me. I never see them coming to the cause of black Americans. They marry outside their race, live in affluent white neighborhoods. Vote republican, everything that I find to be the opposite of the majority of black Americans. Just mess up one time and watch how the white media starts portraying you.
Ashley of Atlanta
December 14th, 2012
9:39 am
I’m Black. And I’m a native. These comments bothered me tremendously because as an African American woman who grew up on the West side of Atlanta in the slummiest of areas, I still wasn’t considered a “normal black person.” Why? I don’t steal, I don’t cheat, I respect syllables and I believe in sounding them out. Does that make me less Black?
I don’t think Rob’s comments were as blatantly racist as they were ignorant, but the generalization that all Black people should act the same way IS a racist statement. We live in America where we’re allowed to choose who we marry, which side of the political field we vote on, and how far we want to take our education. Get over it. I don’t expect us as Black people to get so lost in American society that we don’t know our history, but we ARE NOT ALL THE SAME. That’s the point here, and that’s OK. Who is this guy to question someone’s blackness? Stick to sports, dumb dumb.
elroytheelder
December 14th, 2012
9:40 am
Parker represents the obama voters.
RGIII represents the young people, though a significant minority now, who understand what Dr. King meant when he said that he was fighting for the day when his children would judged based on the content of their character, not the color of their skin.
Tim in Louisville
December 14th, 2012
9:42 am
I kinda get what the guy’s trying to say. He’s saying he doesn’t know whether RGIII is coming from. Black men seem to have particular proclivities about themselves which defines if they are a ruffian, country boy, a slick fast talker, an upscale stylish fashion minded type or an intellectual, articulate, nerdy, corny type of brother. RGIII comes off as the latter, with superior athleticism, which apparently is the part that Rob Parker doesn’t understand because most nerds are not very athletic or socially adept as RGIII appears to be, which is what fosters this sort of resentment by Mr. Parker.
Parker is somewhat jealous because the popularity of an aforedescribed individual such as RGIII is, doesn’t usually happen in the way that it has and is taking place for RGIII. The only problem is that Mr. Parker was derelict in his attempt and intention to describe RGIII in the manner and fashion that I have and he has now caused himself great scrutiny and perhaps will lose some income, if not his job.
J.C. Watts
December 14th, 2012
9:44 am
Amen to QuestionerInChief. Let’s just enjoy watching RGIII and hope others (humans -w/o regard to color) see him as what he is – a great talent that seems to be a good person with a good head on his shoulders. Hopefully we all can learn something from this silly debate.
gary johnson
December 14th, 2012
9:44 am
This guy is a bit of a cornball himself…..the pot calling the kettle black!!!!!We all have our individuality and that’s what makes us who we are and in this country, a true melting pot, who can define what any color is when we are a true “rainbow” from coast to coast and city to city……I grew up “in the hood” but you would never know that talking to me……check yourself before you wreck yourself, Rob Parker.
Nick
December 14th, 2012
9:47 am
Parker should be suspended.
GaDawg12
December 14th, 2012
9:53 am
This is the same guy who made comments on Atlanta and our fan base. Please this guy is garbage to start with… I don’t have much respect for ESPN to start with for always dissing UGA. But this guy should be booted not just for being stupid or ignorant but for also being just a bad reporter.
D man
December 14th, 2012
9:55 am
Let’s go Falcons, Beat the Giants…
Bill in VA
December 14th, 2012
9:56 am
Lotta good comments here about a very nice young man. I am a ‘Skins fan and so have watched and listened to RGIII for a few months. I am impressed!
Agree with UGADawg83 @ 7:43 am, above! Gotta hope the injury to RGIII is minor and hope he’ll make it back this season! Good Luck, RGIII.
Kind of a Realist in Real Life
December 14th, 2012
9:57 am
Come on guys…this is not racism, stupid and ignorant…ON EVERY level, but not exactly racist. Lets just put it straight, RG3…stand up guy, moving in the right direction progressively. Parker instead is caught in the “olden days.” There are black people who still hold on to the idea that Black people should act a certain way and do certain things to be classified as BLACK. But lets be honest here, there are white people who feel the same way. Its not racist…its the media portrayal, its the black stars, its the black role models…I was told by a WHITE girl that she didnt think I was black, even though I DONT pass the paper bag test. My skin is a chocolate brown, and she said I wasnt black because I wasnt ghetto. Did I think she was racist? No…did I think she was misinformed, HELL YES, and we had a good discussion that enlightened her. People tend to blow these stories up. Its NOT as big of a deal as everyone is making it…but Parker definitely needs some enlightenment. I dont want to live my life being “ghetto” so I can be classified as what my skin tone tells the world…period. RG3, you get my vote.
Todd - Lawrenceville
December 14th, 2012
9:57 am
Definitely disturbing comments by Mr. Parker and he should know better, especially what minorities {not only AFrican Americans} have been through and continue to go through via hidden racism. Although I am not appauled, I am disappointed.
Now that I have that out of the way, it seems that MANY (definitely not every) cacusians are appauled by the very same thing they have done and continue to do, which is live and breathe hidden racism and bias behavior. Certainly I am not say that minorities are exemted because we certainly are not. I just think that no one should be critical if you have ever used racial tones.
What Mr. Parker said was public and I am sure meant no harm; at least he did not say it with a buch of buddies at the country club. Again, I am not condining what was said regarding RGIII.
Joe in Woodstock GA
December 14th, 2012
9:59 am
I like what RG3 said. It is exactly what we as a country are striving for. Nothing should define what you are, except for the results you provide to society and your family. Period! Sure wish my Cowboys would have traded the house to pick him up!!!
markie mark
December 14th, 2012
9:59 am
OUT OF LINE. period
Kem
December 14th, 2012
10:00 am
Yes Rob is a blowhard just like the majority of these commentators.
However to be fair, if you really watched the show Rob was just expressing how the brothers in the barbershop felt and their perception of RGIII. They feel he is kind of going out of his way to distanced himself from being identified as an African-American. I don’t necessarily agree, but I understand their perspective._
It was an interesting topic for “First Take”. Too bad many people are afraid to discuss this type of subject. ESPN will probably reprimand Parker because of the backlash from a specific demographic.
Kind of a Realist in Real Life
December 14th, 2012
10:01 am
And what does being Rep or Dem have to do with being black, white, Asian, whatever. Thats to Parker AND the posters. That has NOTHING to do with anything. So claiming that Parker represents Obama voters??? YOU have GOT to be joking…I wont even delve into that…because I could be typing forever, but it sounds like Parker isnt the only one who needs some enlightenment.
JK Dolamite
December 14th, 2012
10:01 am
Its not racism, its bigotry and ignorance, and many people including blacks have this characteristics. My co-worker married an Asian woman and he is black, guess who discriminates against this couple the most? If you said our black co-workers and the people in his community you get the trophy because they call her many derogatory names. Every Asian in the black community is Chinese regardless of their country of origin. If you are from the Philippines, you are Chinese, Japan, Chinese, even Asian-Americans born in the USA are Chinese!!!
Public education is a disgrace.
ESPN is a joke
December 14th, 2012
10:02 am
The most troublesome thing I noticed is that people are actually watching First Take.
My guess is Rob Parker will NOT be fired. Skip Bayless and Stephen A. Smith do this kind of provocative nonsense everyday. Deadspin.com is a good website that points out how phony ESPN is, especially this show.
Good for you RGIII. There is nothing wrong with being a successful, respected person.
That Dude Says...
December 14th, 2012
10:03 am
I’ve thought for a long time from watching Parker on First Take he was a closet racist that didn’t like white people. I guess since he hates on RG3 he is just a all around hate monger. Him and Jamelle Hill are both racists.
Kind of a Realist in Real Life
December 14th, 2012
10:09 am
Some of you are only showing that you are just like Parker by making comments like “in the black community,” followed by words like “all” and “every”…its the same process of putting all of us in a box and believing that we all think this way. Is that not what Parker did? Is that not what you are doing? We dont all grow up the same, look the same, act the same…its not what makes us black. There is a culture in different places, among different people…and regardless of the color of said peoples skin…the people in that culture will act the same way.
blackprix
December 14th, 2012
10:10 am
I like Rob Parker but he was putting a label on RG3. Being black does not mean all are alike, that’s Parker’s problem. I don’t think it was racist, it was stupid.
dad of 4 boys
December 14th, 2012
10:13 am
Its typical……….I’ve been around black people all my life. Not surprised this was said. Its just like the movie “Barber Shop.” “I wouldn’t say this in front of white folks but……….Rodney King should of gotten his ass beat for running from the cops in a Yugo……….O.J. did it……….And Rosa Parks just sat her black ass down!!
Kramer
December 14th, 2012
10:13 am
The only people who care about what color RG III is are people who see everything in color then claim they are not racist. Griffin is 100% correct. A person should be judged by character, work ethic, and how they treat other people and not color. It is clear that espn employs a racist and won’t do a damn thing to him. That speaks louder then anything Griffin said.
no race
December 14th, 2012
10:13 am
One person making a positive difference with his life and one making a negative difference. RGIII is helping young people with a positive, self-reliant attitude. The Parker character has an attitude that must be addressed in society because it is negative and killing our country. MLK Jr would be proud of RGIII and angry at Parker and all of the negative stereotyping people in society. Take care of your self and be the best person you can be!! I am becoming a big RGIII fan!!!
Joey
December 14th, 2012
10:14 am
True racists scare the bejeebers out of ya.
Bull Conner, Rev Jeremiah Wright, et al.
Farcus
December 14th, 2012
10:19 am
It comes down to this, any African-American in this country that is a Republican is called an uncle tom by their own race and by the white dems. I guess people somehow forget that it was the repbublicans that got the civil rights bill passed with Al Gore’s own dad voting against it. Slavery is not dead, the democratic party has done everything possible to hold minorities down with government programs making them dependable on the dems. Hmm, isn’t that what slave owners did with the only difference being today you don’t have to work for your food and healthcare.
Tee Off
December 14th, 2012
10:21 am
RG3 should be a role model to young kids both black and white but I would say more to the blacks since they obviously can relate more to one of their own. I’m using Parkers words….Can you imagine if all AA’s were “cornball brothers”??
ernest johnson
December 14th, 2012
10:22 am
if you have to ask that last question you don’t know what racism is, just bias. it was definitely racist.
the hypocrisy is overwelming!
Jesus
December 14th, 2012
10:22 am
“But the things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile the man.”
Bob
December 14th, 2012
10:26 am
I am so impressed by RGIII and the content of his character that I don’t even think about the color of his skin….I seem to remember Martin Luther King hoping for such a day.
slydog
December 14th, 2012
10:26 am
The issue that Rob Parker has written, and contemplated in public, is not a sports-related topic. He is not a social scientist, anthropologist, or a psychologist. He is a sports writer. He and his “audience”, are largely ignorant and uneducated about the subject of race, culture, ethnicity, etc. To put a “black” position issue in front of a largely European audience is not trying to have your “is he Black or not” question answered, it was designed to cause controversy, nothing else. Rob Parker has ample opportunity to ask Griffin this question both off the record and in private conversation. Rob Parker’s issue is one of conformity: Do you carry yourself and make decisions based off of your background, culture, environment, and yes, how the world perceives your skin color, or do you just conform to the “majority” culture in order to get along and make everybody comfortable around you? See how I worded that question? Sadly, in this world, those without control of their own resources generally have to conform to an identity that is not their own. What if Tiger Woods showed up at his first PGA event with dreds, sandals, a dashiki and a kente cloth? Would it have been largely acceptable and made everyone comfortable? Nope. But he’s there to play golf, not to display Black pride. He is already doing that by simply being himself and playing his best golf. So I guess Parker would feel better if all Black QB’s did interviews wearing one Black glove….lol. If this is about being a proud Black man, then Griffin should not be playing football anyway; again, a seperate, and much deeper issue. So I’d like to thank idiots such as Rob Parker and Caroline Wozniaki for setting back race relations another 5 years by their sheer ignorance. I point those two out specifically because they both knew better
knightjacket
December 14th, 2012
10:26 am
Who cares?
Bill
December 14th, 2012
10:30 am
If Skip Bayless said that, you know sure as hell that Al and Jesse would be setting up the podium in Bristol right now, preparing their “boycott ESPN/ABC/Disney” speeches.
BravesFan79
December 14th, 2012
10:31 am
Im not sure exactly what the cause is…but having lived in Atlanta and New Orleans i think its some kind of competition to see who can wear their pants the lowest, father the most fatherless children, and spread the most STD’s. Yup… pretty sure thats “the cause”!
jd
December 14th, 2012
10:31 am
In the big picture of life why is this a topic of 4 pages of comments. ? Everything is always racist….not really! This sensitivity crap is over the top. If you are black then you are black learn to live with it. If you are white you are white learn to live with it. Honestly who cares what color a person is …it should be about your conduct,character,and integrity
JD
December 14th, 2012
10:35 am
RG III’s attitude and ideas are a credit to a guy just out of college. He has his head screwed on straight. This makes me pull for him even more. Who the heLL is Rob Parker? RG III leads by example on his team and should definitely not have to explain himself to anyone like Parker.