ESPN's verdict on talk show pundit Rob Parker

Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (Photo: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports)

Story Highlights

• ESPN notes Rob Parker's RGIII comments in saying he won't be re-signed
• Rob Parker, already suspended, is out at ESPN
• 'First Take' pundit made controversial comments about race

  TV pundit Rob Parker, after making controversial comments on race in relation to Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III, is gone from ESPN.

  Parker, who is African-American, made those omments on the morning talk show First Take, about Griffin, who is also African-American, possibly being a "cornball brother" who is " not really down with the cause."

  Says ESPN spokesman Mike Soltys, in a statement: "Rob Parker's contract expired at year's end. Evaluating his work and our needs, including his recent RGIII comments, we decided not to renew his deal."

  ESPN had no further comment.

  Parker, who had already been suspended for 30 days, suggests in this interview with a Detroit TV station that in an ESPN First Take production meeting his basic points about Griffin were understood to be the "way they were going" on the show and his comments weren't just "off-the-cuff".
  Source : http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/2013/01/08/espn-rob-parker-robert-griffin-iii/1818329/