Rob Parker only opens his mouth to change feet.
Parker is a knucklehead sports analyst who deserves to be suspended from ESPN after his ignorant racial comments about Robert Griffin III, the prolific rookie quarterback of the Washington Washington Football Team.
Parker was suspended by ESPN last week after creating a firestorm of controversy when he questioned whether Griffin, who is black, was a “real” African American.
“Is he a brother, or is he a cornball brother?” Parker, who is also black, asked during an on-air broadcast on ESPN’s First Take sports program.
“He’s not real. OK, he’s black, he kind of does the thing, but he’s not really down with the cause,” Parker said. “He’s not one of us. He’s kind of black, but he’s not really, like, the guy you want to hang out with because he’s off to something else.”
“We all know he has a white fiancée,” Parker added. “There was all this talk about how he’s a Republican … Tiger Woods was like, ‘I’ve got black skin but don’t call me black.’ “
Griffin’s father, Robert Griffin II, said he was “baffled” by Parker’s comments and would not say much more even though the overwhelming number of social media followers are clearly angry at Parker .
Griffin’s father isn’t alone. I’m baffled by Parker’s remarks, too.
Who is Parker to question RGIII’s blackness? And why should it matter? Parker should apologize to Griffin immediately instead of defending his ridiculous remarks.
RGIII is one of the most grounded, intelligent and thoughtful players in the NFL. He loves his family, he has a strong work ethic, and he’s a role model for all young people – and especially children of color.
The general manager of the Washington Football Team said the team didn’t just acquire a great NFL quarterback – he also said the Washington Football Team also hired an outstanding human being.
So what’s not black about RGIII? I don’t get it.
Rob Parker’s Rhetoric Becoming a Pattern was originally published on blackamericaweb.com
