Former ESPN analyst Robert Griffin III is pushing back against criticism over his stance on politics in sports.
The former NFL quarterback faced backlash after he took issue with ESPN’s discussion of the U.S. Department of Defense removing an article about Jackie Robinson’s military service.
Mina Kimes brought up the issue on Around the Horn, emphasizing the importance of recognizing Robinson’s full legacy. Griffin, however, later posted on social media that sports networks shouldn’t mix sports with politics.
His comments sparked a heated debate, with many accusing him of aligning with right-wing ideologies. In response, Griffin doubled down, clarifying that his message was about keeping sports discussions focused on the game rather than pushing political agendas.
“Breaking the color barrier in baseball in itself is not political. Jesse Owens winning four Gold Medals was not political,” Griffin wrote, arguing that historical achievements should be acknowledged but not turned into political discourse on sports shows.
Griffin Addresses Long-Standing Assumptions
On the latest episode of his podcast, Griffin revisited a pivotal moment from 13 years ago that, he says, shaped public perception of his political stance. He pointed to a controversial segment on First Take, where analyst Rob Parker questioned his racial identity and suggested he might be a Republican due to his engagement to a white woman.
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“It had nothing to do with sports. It had nothing to do with my performance on the field,” Griffin stated. “That single conversation has followed me throughout my professional career.”
This tweet is not about Jackie Robinson.
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) March 20, 2025
His significance can never and should never be erased.
Breaking the color barrier in baseball in itself is not political.
Jesse Owens winning 4 Gold Medals in itself was not political.
Jack Johnson becoming the 1st Black Boxing…
He also pointed out that criticism from the Black community often revolves around that First Take moment. “When people in the Black community disagree with me, what do they do? They start posting Rob Parker memes,” he said, frustrated that his views continue to be judged through that lens.
Despite his clarifications, social media remains unconvinced, with many followers still speculating about his political alignment. Whether Robert Griffin will speak further on the issue remains unclear, but he firmly believes sports and politics should stay separate.
Also Read: Robert Griffin III Goes Off On ESPN For Discussion About Donald Trump’s Administration
