Rob Parker Apologizes for RG3 "Cornball Brother" Comments in Hopes of Saving His Job

Rob Parker, the ESPN talking head in hot water for idiotic comments on First Take last week about the “blackness” of Redskins QB Robert Griffin III, has written a lengthy apology. He tweeted this moments ago:

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.

The comments are Parker’s 1st since the incident. The apology comes one day after our report about how the National Association of Black Journalists was going to speak with ESPN about the incident. Our report also said sources believed it was “75-25” that Parker would be terminated by ESPN for his comments.