Detroit News reporter Rob Parker issued an apology of sorts in his column today, saying that he was just trying to lighten the mood when he asked Lions coach Rod Marinelli a pointed question about his son-in-law, who is also his defensive coordinator.
The Lions' defense is coached by Joe Barry, who is married to Marinelli's daughter. After the Lions' lousy defensive performance in a loss to the Saints yesterday, Parker asked Marinelli, "Do you wish your daughter would have married a better defensive coordinator?"
Today Parker wrote:
What might have seemed like a personal attack wasn't.I concluded my own post about the incident yesterday by writing that Parker should apologize. I'm glad to see that he has.
Locally, people know I have questioned Marinelli about the job Barry has done all season. In fact, I have asked Marinelli on numerous occasions if he's going to fire his son-in-law.
Every week, Marinelli says the same thing.
"No."
It's almost a running joke. A news conference isn't complete unless I ask it.
Sunday, with my attempt at humor, I was trying to get Marinelli to lighten up, have some fun after a rough day.
Who knows, Marinelli, a straight shooter who never goes off script, might actually have given us a funny quote.
He didn't. My attempt failed.
And because of that, my attempt at humor may have seemed slighted, cruel, and even insensitive.
For that, I apologize.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
12-22-2008 @ 10:10AM
FixednewsandDemsnbc said...
He should be jobless like most this media today he should have near Imus type repercussions.
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12-22-2008 @ 10:40AM
jvsiii3 said...
At least he had the sense and humiliation to apologize.
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12-22-2008 @ 11:38AM
Jason said...
I agree, at least he apologized. However, I think he was motivated more back the backlash he received by the TV media (and probably his colleagues in the print media, as well.) I'm sure his editor had a few words with him after this clip was released. This is the reason most athletes, celebrities, coaches, etc. get frustrated with reporters. It's obvious that things aren't going well for the Lions, and things need to be fixed. To pose a ridiculous question like that was uncalled for and it was received exactly the way it was intended. If the rest of the media and the public would have supported the comment, the reporter would have dislocated his own shoulder trying to pat himself on the back for asking the "tough questions". The guys obviously a jerk and SHOULD feel humiliated.
12-22-2008 @ 11:35AM
terry said...
That was an apology? I was funny but the coach wasnt hip enough to get my joke so its his fault i look like a prig
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12-22-2008 @ 11:34AM
Michael said...
My god! Lighten up. It was a funny comment. Nobody has any sense of humor anymore
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12-22-2008 @ 12:40PM
Adam said...
I like the comment about a news conference not being complete unless he asks it. What an idiot. I'm pretty sure nobody else would notice if he didn't, and some (coaches and other reporters alike) are probably even irritated with him at this point in the season. Some people just think they're more necessary than they are . . .
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12-22-2008 @ 1:37PM
JimmyJamThe ManWithThePlan said...
One more week Lie-Downs, one more week! What's worse? Going 0-16 or having to fire your son in law? Oh wait, they had their d-line coach hit up a Wendy's at 2 in the morning stark naked. Therefore, Joe "The Fairy" Barry's job should be safe!
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12-22-2008 @ 1:46PM
John said...
That isn't an apology. He had 2 choices: 1) do nothing, except say "people, it's a joke, get over it"; or 2) apologize. He tried to straddle by giving a conditional apology. Note to Parker, if you choose to apologize, here's what it looks like: "Coach Marinelli, I'm sorry for what I said. I tried to be funny, but it didn't work. In hindsight, it's clear that I should not have said what I said. Please accept my sincere apology."
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12-22-2008 @ 2:23PM
Shonda said...
I laughed when I read the comment, not so much when I saw the clip from the press conference. Who the hell thinks a joke like that's appropriate to SAY to a guy who's lost 15 games on the season? I mean, at least his delivery could have been better.
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