Following a predictable course of events, Rob Parker issued an apology on Wednesday following his remarks last week in which he questioned RGIII’s blackness. His future with ESPN has yet to be decided.
Rob Parker apologizes for RGIII remarks
The “First Take” host apologized on Wednesday for his racially charged remarks about RGIII. A decision from ESPN has not been announced.
Rob Parker, via Twitter
"I blew it and I'm sincerely sorry. I completely understand how the issue of race in sports is a sensitive one and needs to be handled with great care. This past Thursday I failed to do that. I believe the intended topic is a worthy one. Robert's thoughts about being an African-American quarterback and the impact of his phenomenal success have been discussed in other media outlets, as well as among sports fans, particularly those in the African-American community. The failure was in how I chose to discuss it on First Take, and in doing so, turned a productive conversation into a negative one. I regrettably introduced some points that I never should have and I completely understand the strong response to them, including ESPN's reaction. Perhaps most importantly, the attention my words have brought to one of the best and brightest stars in all of sports is an unintended and troubling result. 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 are all taught - with dignity, respect and pride. I've contacted his agent with hopes of apologizing to Robert directly. As I reflect on this and move forward, I will take the time to consider how I can continue to tackle difficult, important topics in a much more thoughtful manner."
Parker sent his apology via Twitter and the TwitLonger platform, which is an appropriate comment in and of itself on the whole thing. Also missing is an actual apology for his comments. Parker instead bemoans
The First Take host made his comments last Thursday. The network suspended him the next day and promised to review his comments. The brass in Bristol has yet to make a decision regarding Parker’s fate in the wake his “cornball brother” remarks.
It’s worth noting that ESPN re-aired the same episode of First Take later in the day last Thursday with Parker’s segment intact, hours after the controversy around his remarks began.
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