ESPN not renewing Rob Parker’s contract
Comments about Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III’s “blackness” have cost commentator Rob Parker his job, ESPN announced Tuesday.
The network said it will not renew its contract with Parker, who was suspended last month for his remarks on “First Take.” During a Dec. 13 episode, Parker pointed out that Griffin is engaged to a white woman and is rumored to be a Republican.
“Is he a brother or a cornball brother?” Parker said.
On Dec. 19, Parker released an apology on his Twitter account, @RobParkerESPN.
“I blew it and I’m sincerely sorry,” Parker wrote. “Robert Griffin III is a talented athlete who not only can do great things on the field, but off the field handles himself in a way we’re all taught – with dignity, respect and pride.”
The following day, ESPN announced Parker was suspended for 30 days. Parker’s contract expired at the end of the year.
“Evaluating our needs and his work, including his recent RG III comments, we decided not to renew his deal,” an ESPN spokesperson said Tuesday.
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
54 comments Add your comment
This Just In.......
January 10th, 2013
8:20 am
Rob Parker was just a small player in the negative stereotyping of Black on Black Racism. He spoke without one moment of thought and it cost him his job. If you choose to date, marry, sleep with, have kids with, or whatever the case may be, that’s your choice. The “Great” journalist bring views without bringing there on negative slant. Whether you know it or not, many of you have fallen right into this blog with his way of thinking, alot of racism going on here. I say this to you, Every Black Man/ White Man/ Latino Man that talks this B.S. is a joke. Why? Because if I put you in a Hotel room with four sexy women of the opposite race, you wanna do some unspeakable things with her. Racism is a sickness that people use only to get a point across, Ask any man that’s ever served in war, or played football or any other team sport is that his brother, and he’ll quickly defend him with his own life. Now that my friends is true brotherhood !!!
Cornball Brother
January 11th, 2013
2:50 pm
So long, loser!
Terrence Moore
January 11th, 2013
2:51 pm
Rob Parker. What a rookie.
go dogs
January 12th, 2013
10:26 pm
Reminds me Rush’s firing at ESPN. Both were justified.