ESPN’s Parker suspended over controversial comments

Getty: Eugene Gologursky, WireImage. ESPN’s Rob Parker suspended: Deion Sanders and Rob Parker at The ESPN Zone in New York City. IMAGE

12/21/12 By AP

Commentator made questionable remarks about quarterback Robert Griffin III.

NEW YORK – ESPN has handed commentator Rob Parker a 30-day suspension for questioning the "blackness" of Redskins rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III.

The network announced the suspension Thursday, a day after Parker apologized for comments he made during a Dec. 13 episode of "First Take."

Posting to Twitter, Parker said, "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, who is black, was discussing Griffin's role as an African-American quarterback when he noted that Griffin has a white fiancé and is rumored to be a Republican.

Among his comments, Parker said, "Is he a brother or a cornball brother?"

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