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.”
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357 comments Add your comment
cruzin
December 14th, 2012
10:36 am
He will get a free pass because he is a liberal and a black. He shows he is a racist and the best thing anyone can do is, STOP WATCHING OR SUPPORTING ESPN!
Michael Carvell's has a boaner for UGA
December 14th, 2012
10:37 am
he looks like Pookie from New Jack City
VoiceOfReason
December 14th, 2012
10:40 am
Rob Parker is a bigot and a racist! ESPN should fire him. How can American come together if everyone is judging everyone on race? He isn’t black enough, he isn’t white enough. What the heck does that mean? Stop the hate Rob Parker. This is the new America, salvery stopped long ago and you had nothing to do about it.
Ben
December 14th, 2012
10:41 am
It’s inane. That that sort of attitude even exists within the black community is a bad thing. People are people, whatever their skin color. This smacks of the Uncle Tom insults black Republicans get from liberals all the time. What it is is bigotry, pure and simple.
Todd - Lawrenceville
December 14th, 2012
10:44 am
For those calling for Mr. Parker’s firing, where are you for calling for ouster of republicans who worked to supress voting? IF you are not part of solutions, you too, are the problem.
59bulldawg
December 14th, 2012
10:48 am
Who the hell is Rob Parker anyway? RG3 is the best thing to hit the DC sports scene in many a moon! And I’m not talking just about his athleticism. Unlike this Parker character, RG3 is all class!
who?
December 14th, 2012
10:49 am
Who is Rob Parker?
GimmeAbreak
December 14th, 2012
10:49 am
And white are the ones with racial predjudices?
Anytime a “brother” has an opinion of his own and it is not in line with the teachings of those leaders of the mindless people who ask (or should that be “axe), “what da gommint do fo me?” the other “brothers”, “African American’s”, “Blacks”, “Negroes” or whatever the Hell they want to be called now, then he’s “the dude wit the white fiancee or a Republican”!
But it’s Whitie who is the racist!
God I pray for this country….
tee
December 14th, 2012
10:54 am
It’s appalling what Parker said! As an African-American military officer, this is the kind of insensitive behavior I dealt with in middle and high school. If a black man can articulate his thoughts and can intelligently carry on a conversation on any subject, while not being athletic or a dancer, of course he is labeled a cornball. I could absolutely care less if he has a white fiancee and is Republican. Good for him!!! Being down will do just that for black males…you will be down, educationally, socially, economically, you name it. Parker is an idiot who is the cornball.
Gee
December 14th, 2012
10:55 am
This right here shows you EXACTLY who keeps racism alive in america. The left is all about bigotry and oppression. They want the “race war” to continue so they can keep the african american vote. Its really sad for Rob Parker to talk about RGIII and call him an uncle tom. Who made him king of the damn streets? RGIII is what you call a succesful black man who knows how to conduct himself as a human being, regardless of skin color.
atlman4
December 14th, 2012
10:57 am
I believe that mr.parker being an older black man is not fully able to comprehend that things have changed dramatically for young whites and black regarding race, those like myself born in the late 80s have grown up with way less racism(even in atl) and have better outlooks on race than men of either race born before the 80’s. I dont think mr.parker like the fact that rg3 is getting so much love from the white community about his character and how much of a positive leader he is for his team and community. Mr.parker doesnt see the same love for cam newton or vick by whites as they do for rg3 and I dont think it has anything to do with rg3 having “white tendencies”, i think whites praise him because of his character, and work ethic and his ability, i believe the same is true for a lot of black people regarding their thoughts on rg3. I think your actions should define you just like rg3 said, who cares what color he is. One black man saying something ignorant should not be thought of as he is speaking for the black community, just a radical(IMO) perspective on a young man who is just being who he is.
HunkerDown
December 14th, 2012
10:58 am
What a horrible thing to say about somone. So this guy is basically saying that the color of your skin should denote how you act? What an ignorant piece of trash… he is the reason that this so called “racism” is still alive today. I guess since I’m white, I should only hang out with other white guys and listen to John Denver.
Crab Bucket
December 14th, 2012
11:00 am
Sociologists have described Black America by using the “crab bucket analogy.” Terry Prachett says
“A fish monger does not bother to keep a lid on the crab bucket because, any that tries to get out gets pulled back.”
Mr. Parker is a crab trying to pull RGIII back into the bucket.
CLEMSONDUDE
December 14th, 2012
11:02 am
I am a white dude. Ive only been taught that white people are only racist not black people. What am I missing here?????
CC
December 14th, 2012
11:04 am
Sounds to me like Rob Parker hates white people.
cruzin
December 14th, 2012
11:06 am
Yes, articulating that another black is a cornball. And that is racist. It’s fun listening to the liberals twist and turn and change the subject to deflect criticism. Bottom line, he said, he owns, he is black, and a white person didn’t make him say it. If a white person said that on ESPN, they be gone in a heartbeat.
secson
December 14th, 2012
11:07 am
Rob Parker is a cornball brother. I always thought he was, with a consitently bad haircut!
Daniel Carver
December 14th, 2012
11:10 am
Let’s get to the real question. How did that ugly, greasy mop head get a white girl?? Good Lord!!
BamaFan
December 14th, 2012
11:10 am
Just so you all know, Rob Parker is on ESPN’s First Take and he has no credibility to talk about any athlete. He even called the great Hank Aaron a “coward” for not attending Barry Bonds game when his record was broken. Really dude. You want Hank Aaron to celebrate Barry Bonds!
BamaFan
December 14th, 2012
11:10 am
And BTW, he is Black
Bobo
December 14th, 2012
11:10 am
If people associate being a ‘brother’ with things like dogfighting, having 9 kids by 7 different baby mamas, being in a gang, living the hip-hop lifestyle, dressing in saggy pants, being loud and rude to everyone in their presence, blowing off academics and doing poorly in school, using marijuana in copious amounts, and worshiping Obama no matter how many bad decisions he makes, then why would Robert Griffin III want to fit that image? I’m assuming that’s what Rob Parker is talking about. Isn’t it racist to STEREOTYPE, yet somehow it’s racist now to NOT fit the stereotype that has held black people down for decades. You can’t have it both ways.
Bobo
December 14th, 2012
11:13 am
If anything SHOULDN’T people be biased against people with poor character, bad manners, and a poor work ethic? This is a bias that we SHOULD have and none of those things should be excused, regardless of the color of your skin.
Matthew 24
December 14th, 2012
11:15 am
Jesus said in the last days ‘nations (ethic groups) will rise against nations(ethic groups)’.
Jeff 06
December 14th, 2012
11:17 am
What in the hell is this cat talking about? Does RGIII have to be in bar fights, or getting arrested to be a “Brother”. This is what is wrong with the black community!!! RGIII needs to keep doing what he is doing. Be a role role model not a THUG!!
GIVE ME A BREAK
December 14th, 2012
11:25 am
Parker wants RGIII to talk like he has never been to an English class and also spend some time in prison so he can represent the hood. What an idiot.
CaliBlackGuy
December 14th, 2012
11:27 am
I felt Parker’s remarks were very out of line. To say someone isn’t black enough or “not a Brother down for the cause” because they don’t part take in certain activities or eat certain foods, or talk a certain way are very outlandish. This type of thinking sets the black community as a whole back from progression. If the Black Community instill this type of behavior into our youth, the Black Community will never grow with the rest of society. IGNORANCE DOES NOT HAVE A ETHNICITY!
G'Vegas Dawg
December 14th, 2012
11:29 am
And we wonder why there is still racism in this country? “not one of us”? How long ago was “seperate but equal” abolished? This is a clear example of a black guy wanting to seperate himself and other people of the black race from other races (in this case – white, let’s be real). Because RGIII is a republican he can’t be black? How racist is this guy, really?
G'Vegas Dawg
December 14th, 2012
11:30 am
@CaliBlackGuy – very well said!
Pemo
December 14th, 2012
11:31 am
I think what he said was stupid, but we should not make a big deal out of it. It really just gives us insight into a “brother’s” thinking. Just confirms for some what others already know. Shouldn’t be fired, jut like JtheGreek shud not have been fired.
Carz
December 14th, 2012
11:32 am
He just said what black people think. That’s why Mike Vick is the main man of black QB fans. he acts blacker. Its why they didn’t support McNabb. It’s life. Blackness is first. It is always in the conscious mind.
Rafe Hollister
December 14th, 2012
11:33 am
Character, education, and the ability to speak English makes you a cornball brother? This is a perfect example of why America is declining. We need to celebrate achievement instead of resent it.
Money Mozart
December 14th, 2012
11:38 am
The guy was completely out of line. Robert Griffin III is a professional football player. His job is to win games, not win anyone’s friendship. Since he’s a public figure he also has a responsibility to be some type of a role model/repectable person. So far, in his short career, he’s done both with class and excellence. To take it further than that and judge him by his choice in women, style, and personality is something you save for private conversation. Do you want him to be your BFF? Is he not cool enough to hang out with you? Who cares? I’m sure he doesn’t. The last time I checked having a college degree, a multi-million dollar job, and several endorsement deals, all before the age of 25 is enough to make that Black man cool to me.
Marietta boy
December 14th, 2012
11:38 am
Amen @ Cirleoffire’s comments
drew
December 14th, 2012
11:40 am
Seems to me that ESPN has a history of hiring pretty stupid announcers. I read yesterday where 3 ESPN announcers kept referring to a transgender college volleyball player as “it” and said “it” doesn’t belong on a college team. Disiplined? I doubt it… after all, it’s testosterone laden ESPN.
Gladdius
December 14th, 2012
11:46 am
Maybe if RG3 talked about being an icon and an entertainer, he would be a “real” brother.
1776
December 14th, 2012
11:47 am
That Parker mug is just jealous of RG3’s success and is taking a pop-sh0t at him. Parker is insinuating that RG3 should act more like typical thug. I don’t find Parker’s comments “offensive”, but (rather) silly & revealing (of that mindset). IMHO…all this r@ci@l sensitivity stuff is garbage. Folks need to stop being so soft & touchy.
I am not going to be the coach at Alabama. I am the coach of the Miami Dolphins.
December 14th, 2012
11:49 am
Rafe, and others.. –You are spot on. Success and being able to speak clear English = sellout. What a shame. Instead of wanting to hold RGIII up as a role model for black youth, he is portrayed like this. He would be an excellent role model for any youth, as far as I can tell.
Don Miller
December 14th, 2012
11:51 am
Wow! To think we can actually discuss this without having to look over our shoulders is proof that we’ve come a great ways as a society; however, am I going to ever be able to tell or listen to another joke about various religions, races, men versus women, blond women, sex…just kidding…
How cool would it be to sit at a table with Lou Farrakhan, Jesse Jackson, Daniel Inouye and discuss important issues such as how do we fix the public schools in the country and what constitutes an actual job or the Buy American movement? But then we wouldn’t be able to get away with simply calling each other American because somebody would attempt to “disaggregate” all of us…
Gladdius
December 14th, 2012
11:52 am
The entire “sellout’ theory is based in fear. If a guy can be successful, it take away the excuses of the failures. Fact is, RG3 should be able to worship, act, date, and vote for whomever he wants. For a group to try and oppress that holds only themselves back.
Gladdius
December 14th, 2012
11:54 am
How is expecting a brother to be “true’ to other brothers any different than a what the Klan described as race traitors.
PR
December 14th, 2012
11:55 am
Dislike the redskins… respect for RGIII
Parker should be ashamed of himself. It’s about to be 2013… not 1963
downwiththecause
December 14th, 2012
11:59 am
yea Dont agree with how it was put but Rob has a point. Im sorry but black people are so quick to jump to the white man when he is on top. Put it like this if RG3 was not as talented, had a little swag in him and married to a black chic with 3 kids we would be nothing to these owners or fans which are predominant white. Yes he seems like a lame to me but hell he not might type either. Black people are so quick to say the color of my skin does not define me well wake the hell up it does. america is still racist and always will be. you need to embrace the people who made it possible for you to be in the nfl and by the way they were black and was proud of it and was defined by it. I hear white guys talk about black Qb’s all the time like its a stat.
Carlton Davis
December 14th, 2012
12:00 pm
The individual was stupid not racist. Most of you need to read the entire definition of racism as opposed to picking that part of the definition that satisfies you. I did not see anything that suggested superiority based on race. It is amazing that so many people want to pontificate on the word racism without knowing it’s definition.
old school doc
December 14th, 2012
12:02 pm
I wrote to ESPN today asking that this ignorant Rob Parker be fired. He is not racist, just straight ig’nunt! Talk about crabs in a barrel mentality! Surely ESPN can find better!
I rather like my Black role models to represent themselves as if Grandma were watching. RGIII fits that mold.(at least publicly) Grndma might not like his choices of hairstyle, women, or politics, but she would be nothin but proud of him. I wish one of our public “grandmas” (Oprah, CIcely?) would speak out against this sort of backwards jive (aka classless) thinking…
bookman parrot
December 14th, 2012
12:03 pm
how about call it stupid, or ignorant or … or even further call it “what in the hell was the guy even saying your not black or not black enough… what the hell is that”
Roger
December 14th, 2012
12:04 pm
Tom, no Dick, and Harry – Pardon me, but you are so full of s#@t and too ignorant to understand that Rob Parker was attacking RGIII on the basis that he is “too much” like whites with no idenity with the portion of the black community that are ghetto gangbangers, and “needy” looking for a government handout.
RGIII appears to exemplify the values an unfortunately significant “underclass” of the black community. Seek out the RGIIIs; Boisfeuillet Jones; Bill Cosbys; Denzel Washingtons: etc of the black community as role models, rather than the rabble rousing Al Sharptons; Jesse Jacksons; Maxine Waters; and far too many black entertainers that represent the worst of society rather than the aspirational opportunities available in this nation.
Go suck an egg!
Roger
December 14th, 2012
12:06 pm
REPOST!
Tom, no Dick, and Harry – Pardon me, but you are so full of s#@t and too ignorant to understand that Rob Parker was attacking RGIII on the basis that he is “too much” like whites with no idenity with the portion of the black community that are ghetto gangbangers, and “needy” looking for a government handout.
RGIII appears to exemplify the values an unfortunately significant “underclass” of the black community should emulate. Seek out the RGIIIs; Boisfeuillet Jones; Bill Cosbys; Denzel Washingtons: etc of the black community as role models, rather than the rabble rousing Al Sharptons; Jesse Jacksons; Maxine Waters; and far too many black entertainers that represent the worst of society rather than the aspirational opportunities available in this nation.
Go suck an egg!
bookman parrot
December 14th, 2012
12:06 pm
to carlton davis,
you are splitting hairs; it is stupid, but it is also some form of “ism” as well
Boca Baby
December 14th, 2012
12:08 pm
If it had been a white guy saying this he would have been fired on the spot and ESPN would have gone out of its way to make it known. Since it is a “brother” who made the remarks they are in the process of “evaluating.” Hypocrites!
Gladdius
December 14th, 2012
12:10 pm
Maybe not racist by definition, but prejudicial, and for it to be tolerated is hypocritical, and only holds the those striving for equality and freedom back. Thats all.