Following a disappointing AFC Wild Card performance by Justin Herbert, where the quarterback struggled with a mere 14 completions out of 32 attempts, one NFL figure found himself in hot water for his comments about Herbert’s performance.

Robert Griffin III, the former NFL quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner, took to social media to voice his disappointment with Herbert’s performance, but his words quickly sparked controversy.

Robert Griffin III’s Social Media Critique of Herbert

Griffin expressed his frustration on Twitter, stating, “The national media better hold Justin Herbert accountable for his playoff performances like they do to Lamar Jackson and Dak Prescott.”

While Griffin’s intent seemed to focus on fairness in media coverage, the framing of his words stirred backlash, especially when fans and analysts interpreted his remarks as drawing racial comparisons between Herbert and quarterbacks Lamar Jackson and Dak Prescott, both of whom are Black.

The Backlash to Griffin’s Comments

Critics of Griffin were quick to call him out, suggesting his comments unnecessarily introduced racial dynamics into a sports debate.

One user on X (formerly Twitter) questioned why Griffin was focusing on Herbert’s performance rather than celebrating C.J. Stroud’s playoff victory.

Others expressed frustration over the constant race-based discussions in sports, calling it harmful and divisive.

Outkick founder Clay Travis criticized Griffin, emphasizing that quarterbacks of all races, including Herbert, Jackson, and Prescott, face significant scrutiny regardless of their race.

Travis pointed out that all quarterbacks in the NFL are highly paid and receive heavy criticism when they fail, asserting that introducing race into the conversation was divisive and unnecessary.

Griffin’s Response and Further Controversy

Despite the backlash, Griffin stood his ground.

He clarified that his initial statement was not intended to be racial but aimed at ensuring fairness in media coverage.

To further defend his perspective, Griffin shifted focus to another controversial subject: Mike Tomlin’s playoff record.

Griffin pointed out that Tomlin, the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, has faced criticism for his lack of playoff success, much like Dallas Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy, and suggested that both should be judged by the same standard.

Calls for Fairness in Criticism and Media Coverage

In response to Griffin’s follow-up on Tomlin, Travis agreed, stating that the goal should always be to hold individuals to the same standard, regardless of race or any other factor.

He also discussed the importance of quarterback performance in the NFL, suggesting that a team’s success or failure often hinges on the talent at the quarterback position.

Past Controversies Involving Griffin

This isn’t the first time Robert Griffin III has been at the center of controversy related to race.

Back in November, Griffin defended his mixed-race daughters after others suggested they weren’t “Black enough.”

Griffin expressed strong disapproval of these opinions, calling it wrong for anyone to question his children’s racial identity.

The ongoing debate around Griffin’s comments highlights the broader issue of race and its influence on the way athletes are perceived and criticized in the sports world.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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