Robert Griffin III has mastered the skill of the non-apology apology. While he didn’t technically need to apologize, as noted by Awful Announcing’s Ben Axelrod, it might be prudent for him to reflect on the blend of sports and politics.
The controversy erupted when RG3 reacted to Stephen A. Smith’s First Take tirade involving Donald Trump, J.D. Vance, and Pete Hegseth, in reference to Jackie Robinson’s brief removal from the Department of Defense’s website amidst discussions on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies. Griffin, a former NFL quarterback turned ex-ESPN analyst, argued that Robinson breaking baseball’s color barrier and Jesse Owens winning four gold medals at the 1936 Olympics weren’t inherently political. Unsurprisingly, this perspective didn’t resonate well, drawing criticism from various corners, including Smith, who promptly dismantled Griffin’s argument on air, highlighting that RG3 wasn’t particularly favored during his ESPN tenure.
After several days of silence—during which he faced backlash from Smith, Jemele Hill, and many others—Griffin attempted to clarify his stance. He issued a lengthy statement asserting that he never articulated what critics claimed about Robinson, Owens, or Jack Johnson, while also recognizing how people could have interpreted it that way.
I never said what some are claiming I did about Jackie Robinson, Jesse Owens or Jack Johnson, but I understand it’s how many heard it. That’s on me.
Jackie Robinson, Jesse Owens and Jack Johnson’s achievements in the face of brutal racism had an immeasurable impact on moving civil rights forward. They are heroes. They are my heroes.
My words were dropped into a debate I wasn’t trying to join. There was a heated conversation happening around Jackie, DEI, and the current political climate, but that’s not what my tweet was about.
I am responsible for my words and the timing of any message. The facts are the timing wasn’t right for my nuanced take.
I would never diminish history, race, or anyone of those men’s legacy. They are American icons; I would never disrespect that.
I will always be open to all people, beliefs, and conversations. That’s why I ask tough questions. That’s why I try to create a safe space where people feel free to speak their truth and engage in open conversations.
Thanks to the people who have spent time with me over the past 48 hours to help me better understand how the timing was not right for my take and why it was heard differently than I intended.
I still choose to believe there is a place for tough, honest conversations with different viewpoints and ideas. I’m listening, I’m learning, and I’ll keep showing up with respect.
I never said what some are claiming I did about Jackie Robinson, Jesse Owens or Jack Johnson, but I understand it’s how many heard it. That’s on me.
Jackie Robinson, Jesse Owens and Jack Johnson’s achievements in the face of brutal racism had an immeasurable impact on moving… https://t.co/fJElxfhu7M
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) March 23, 2025
Although Griffin’s 242-word statement aimed to clear the air, it primarily reinforced the cycle of provoking controversy, facing backlash, and asserting he was misunderstood. His response, while addressing the criticism, leaned more towards damage control than genuine reflection. Instead of directly confronting the substance of his comments, he provided a carefully crafted explanation that mingled deflection with a vague sense of accountability—just enough to seem thoughtful without fully engaging with the core of the criticism. After all, this is a safe space…
