ESPN's Rob Parker apologizes to RGIII for racial comments

Suspended ESPN First Take contributor and columnist Rob Parker apologized on Twitter Wednesday for racial comments he made about Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III, saying he "blew it" and is sincerely sorry.

“My question is, and it’s just a straight, honest question:  Is he a brother, or is he a cornball brother,” Parker said last Thursday on ESPN's First Take. “He’s not really. He’s black, he does his thing, but he’s not really down with the cause. He’s not one of us. He’s kind of black, but he’s not really like the kind of guy you really want to hang out with.”

ESPN re-aired the segment later in the afternoon and then suspended Parker the next day "until further notice" saying the brass at the network were conducting a full review.

Here is Parker's tweet in full context:

"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."