Rob Parker

Sportswriter and radio host Rob Parker is a former writer for The Detroit News. He is also an occasional contributor to ESPN.

On December 21, 2008, following the Detroit Lions 15th loss of the season, Parker confronted Lions coach Rod Marinelli at the post-game press conference. Parker asked Marinelli if he wished his daughter had married a better defensive coordinator, referring to Joe Barry, son-in-law of Marinelli and defensive coordinator to the Lions.FanHouse: Rob Parker Rips Rod Marinelli for Hiring His Son-in-Law... FOX commentator Terry Bradshaw shunned Parker's question, calling Parker a 'flat idiot'.YouTube Video: Rob Parker vs. Rod Marinelli Parker apologized for the remark the following day stating that it was a failed attempt at humor. Marinelli did not accept the apology.ESPN.com: Parker Says Question to Marinelli Wasn't 'Personal Attack'

On January 6, 2009, Parker resigned from his job at The Detroit News due to the controversy.ESPN.com: Detroit columnist Parker quits (January 6, 2009)

In October of 2008, Parker reported that Michigan State Spartans football player Kirk Cousins was one of many football players involved in a physical altercation with Michigan State hockey players. After hearing the news, Cousins' father refuted the claims, stating that Cousins was at their family home that night. MSU football coach Mark Dantonio spoke publicly that he was offended by the claims, stating that Parker is "someone who has no credibility."Spartan Tailgate: Dantonio calls out Rob Parker of the Detroit News Parker later issued a personal apology to Cousins and his family, as well as the school and football team.Detroit Free Press: Cousins family receives apology from Detroit News' Parker The Detroit News suspended Parker for two weeks for the incident.MVN: Rob Parker Suspended From His Detroit News Column

• YouTube Video: Rob Parker vs. Rod Marinelli (Time: 2:49)

• Pride of Detroit: Fire Rob Parker (December 21, 2008)

• Detroit Free Press: Cousins family receives apology from Detroit News' Parker (October 29, 2008)

• Deadspin: A Detroit Columnist Caught Making Stuff Up? Surely Not (October 29, 2008)

• Spartan Tailgate: Dantonio calls out Rob Parker of the Detroit News (October 28, 2008)

• YouTube Video: Rob Parker defends himself over Mich State (Time: 8:42)