Earlier today, ESPN2’s First Take was in the midst of one of its usual contrived debates when Rob Parker asked one of the most head-scratching questions whether DC NFL Team quarterback Robert Griffin III was “a brother or a cornbread brother?” Stephen A. Smith was incredulous and Skip Bayless was speechless. Not only was the statement aired live, but it re-aired again in the euphemistically titled “Best of First Take” later in the day.
Parker made things worse about questioning Griffin’s “blackness” for being a Republican and having a white girlfriend. It was bizarre television and why the show even re-aired the comments later in the day is beyond me. It shows that embracing debate can sometimes lead to outrageous statements when the participants try too hard to fill time and come up with a position on the fly.
ESPN has issued a statement through its cadre of public relations people. I have this tweet from ESPN spokesman Mike Soltys:
Have been asked for comment on Rob Parker comments: The comments were inappropriate and we are evaluating our next steps.
— Mike Soltys (@espnmikes) December 14, 2012
The whole thing reeks and I hope ESPN takes the appropriate action.
