Rob Parker’s controversial description of Robert Griffin III as a “cornball brother” in 2012 resurfaced amid the ongoing Angel Reese Robert Griffin III drama. The renewed attention followed Griffin’s recent claim that WNBA star Angel Reese harbored animosity toward her competitor Caitlin Clark. A viral clip from nearly a decade ago highlighted Parker’s critical label of the former NFL quarterback.
On a recent episode of “The Rematch,” former NBA player Etan Thomas asked Parker directly about the motivation behind those remarks.
“What was it that you saw in RG3 that made you call him a cornball brother many years ago?” Thomas asked Parker on Sunday’s episode of ‘The Rematch.’ “Because you saw something before everybody else saw it. He had just come on the scene, he had the fathead, he had the jersey. Then you called him a cornball brother and everybody got offended. Nobody really knew the context behind it.”
Parker explained the background of his words and addressed the sensitive nature of racial labeling in sports discussions.
“I think the conversation was someone saying that [Griffin] could be one of the greatest Black quarterbacks, and I think he was offended that “Black” was in front of quarterback. … Nobody says Michael Jordan is the greatest Black basketball player. They believe he’s just the greatest player.
“I’m not offended by that. If you would have told me I’m the greatest Black sportswriter who ever lived, I would have embraced it!”
Context Behind Griffin’s Response and Parker’s Original Comments
In 2012, Robert Griffin III addressed the topic of race during a media event, expressing his desire not to be narrowly defined by skin color as a quarterback. Instead, he wanted recognition for his abilities, work ethic, and personality, refusing to be “put in a box.”
Following this, Parker responded on ESPN2’s First Take, labeling Griffin a “cornball brother” and questioning his relationship with his white fiancée. The remarks generated significant criticism.
Shortly after, Parker issued an apology, admitting he had “blew it” and reached out to Griffin’s agent to make amends. He promised to approach such sensitive topics with greater care moving forward.
ESPN’s Reaction and Consequences for Rob Parker
In response to Parker’s comments on Griffin, ESPN suspended him for 30 days. After the suspension period, Parker’s contract was not renewed and expired approximately two weeks later. ESPN’s public relations representative, Mike Soltys, acknowledged the decision, tweeting:
“Rob Parker’s contract expired at year end. Evaluating our needs and his work, including his recent RGIII comments, we decided not to renew.”
Parker did not return to ESPN following his termination. Meanwhile, Robert Griffin III joined ESPN as an NFL analyst in 2021 but was replaced in 2024 by Jason Kelce.
Ongoing Tensions Amid Sports Controversies Involving Angel Reese and Robert Griffin III
The resurfacing of Parker’s “cornball brother” comment adds another layer to the Angel Reese Robert Griffin III drama playing out publicly. Griffin’s defense of Reese and the criticism from figures like Jason Whitlock reflect a tense climate around discussions of race, rivalry, and respect in sports media.
As this dialogue continues, the legacy of past remarks and their impact on current perceptions remain significant. The confrontation between Etan Thomas and Rob Parker highlights the enduring sensitivity surrounding racial language and athlete portrayal, suggesting that these debates will persist in sports commentary.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What caused Angel Reese’s injury?
A. In a video shared on TikTok late Sunday, Reese explained, “When I scored the and-1, I fell backward onto my hand, causing a small bone crack.” She further mentioned that doctors said surgery was optional, leaving her with a choice to proceed without it or undergo the operation.
Q. Does Angel Reese have a 1.6 GPA?
A. Additionally, Reese finished her studies at LSU in March 2024. She earned a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. Her focus areas were Communication Studies, Leadership Development, and Psychology. This indicates she maintained at least a 2.0 GPA, which is needed to graduate.
Q. What did Angel Reese’s parents do?
A. Angel’s basketball skills come from her parents, who both played at the college and professional levels.