ESPN Suspends Commentator Over 'Cornball Brother' Comment

Rob Parker called Robert Griffin III only 'kind of black'
By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff
Posted Dec 14, 2012 12:22 PM CST
ESPN Suspends Commentator Over 'Cornball Brother' Comment
Rob Parker is seen in this screenshot from a YouTube clip of the controversial comments he delivered on ESPN's "First Take"   (YouTube)

ESPN has indefinitely suspended commentator Rob Parker after his controversial "cornball brother" remarks about Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III yesterday, the network announced in a brief statement today. "Following yesterday's comments, Rob Parker has been suspended until further notice. We are conducting a full review," the network said, according to USA Today.

Parker's comments, in which he said that Griffin was only "kind of black," set off a firestorm. The head of the NFL Players Association slammed Parker, telling the Washington Post that players should "never beg for authenticity from someone who can only talk about the things that other people have the courage to do." RGIII's father (who, yes, is named Robert Griffin II), chimed in as well, saying, "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." But Parker remained defiant on Twitter for much of yesterday, calling critical responses "uneducated" and "silly," NBC Sports reports. (More Rob Parker stories.)

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