IN POSSIBLY THE longest Twitter update ever written, ESPN analyst Rob Parker has apologised to Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III for comments he made on the network last week.
Parker, who has been suspended by ESPN since he made the remarks, called RGIII a “cornball brother” and went on to say that Griffin is “black” but is “not really down with the cause. He’s not one of us”.
However, on Wednesday, Parker admitted he had made a mistake.
“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.
Parker went on to say that while RGIII’s success as a black quarterback warrants discussion, his mistake was how he presented his own thoughts on the subject.
“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.”
Parker finished his 230 word tweet by saying he hopes to personally apologise to the quarterback.
“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.”
Whether or not the apology will be enough for Parker to be reinstated by ESPN, remains to be seen.
