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Detroit newspaper columnist resigns in flap over question to former Lions coach

MichiganMichigan Posts: 4,942 ✭
in Sports Talk

DETROIT - A Detroit News sports columnist has left the paper, two weeks after he was criticized for asking Lions coach Rod Marinelli if he had wished his daughter had married a better defensive coordinator.


Rob Parker resigned last week, Managing Editor Don Nauss said today. Parker declined to comment on his departure.

Joe Barry is Marinelli's son-in-law and was defensive coordinator during Detroit's 0-16 season.

On Dec. 21, after a 42-7 loss to New Orleans, Parker asked Marinelli about his daughter's decision to marry Barry.

"Anytime you attack my daughter, I've got a problem with that," Marinelli said.

Parker said he wasn't trying to hurt the coach or his family. He wanted to "lighten the moment" after a rough loss.

Nauss, however, said the question was "inappropriate and unprofessional."

"We said we were taking the matter seriously and we would deal with it," he said. "Draw your own conclusions about what transpired. I have to emphasize Rob submitted his resignation and we accepted it. It was a voluntary action."

Marinelli and his son-in-law were fired after the Lions' winless season. Barry's father, assistant offensive line coach Mike Barry, also was dismissed.

Parker's question drew on-air fire from Fox football analyst Terry Bradshaw, who called him a "total idiot."

Comments

  • dirtmonkeydirtmonkey Posts: 3,048 ✭✭
    Bradshaw calling someone an idiot? Priceless. I still thought the comment was funny. I didn't even know another family member (Barry's father) was also coaching on this team. What a F'ing joke. Moronelli decided to get the whole family involved on the cash cow that is the Detroit Lions. Come here with no credentials, do a lousy job and draw a paycheck. If you really suck, you can often get an extension. I'm still shocked they fired Rod. He sucked worse than Millen. That's grounds for a lifetime contract with this organization.
    image
  • detroitfan2detroitfan2 Posts: 3,335 ✭✭✭✭
    This is awesome news. There is an ounce of justice in the world, although more than likely Parker will end up on his feet somewhere.
  • grote15grote15 Posts: 29,696 ✭✭✭✭✭
    My favorite story about Bradshaw is when Cowboys linebacker Hollywood Henderson said he couldn't spell Cat if you spotted him the C and the T. image


    Collecting 1970s Topps baseball wax, rack and cello packs, as well as PCGS graded Half Cents, Large Cents, Two Cent pieces and Three Cent Silver pieces.
  • MorgothMorgoth Posts: 3,950 ✭✭✭
    Bradshaw has to be the luckiest guy alive to be drafted by a team that eventually had like 12 HOFs on it and he still managed to get benched from time to time image
    Currently completing the following registry sets: Cardinal HOF's, 1961 Pittsburgh Pirates Team, 1972 Pittsburgh Pirates Team, 1980 Pittsburgh Pirates Team, Bill Mazeroski Master & Basic Sets, Roberto Clemente Master & Basic Sets, Willie Stargell Master & Basic Sets and Terry Bradshaw Basic Set
  • baseballfanbaseballfan Posts: 5,458 ✭✭✭
    this was probably the last straw with other factors coming into play with this guy
    Fred

    collecting RAW Topps baseball cards 1952 Highs to 1972. looking for collector grade (somewhere between psa 4-7 condition). let me know what you have, I'll take it, I want to finish sets, I must have something you can use for trade.

    looking for Topps 71-72 hi's-62-53-54-55-59, I have these sets started

  • sayheykid54sayheykid54 Posts: 779 ✭✭
    I have absolutely no problem at all with Rob Parker's opinions and columns over the years. Nationally I think we've become overly sensitive to openly sarcastic remarks and questions. Give me a break already.....
  • fiveninerfiveniner Posts: 4,111 ✭✭✭
    I agree with Say Hay Kid.
    Tony(AN ANGEL WATCHES OVER ME)
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