A lot of adjectives and phrases have been used to describe the Rob Gronkowski dancing video over the past several days. People say Gronk was acting irresponsible, immature, and careless among other terms. One former Patriot said Gronk needs to grow up and learn that there’s a time and a place for everything. ESPN analyst Jalen Rose took it a step further, describing Gronkowski as having been “white boy wasted.” He issued an apology a little over an hour later.
“Forgive this term because I didn’t make it up: He was having a good time. He was white boy wasted,” Rose said on Mike and Mike Thursday morning according to Pro Football Talk. “He was having a good time.”
Just before the program ended, Rose delivered a half-hearted apology.
“You guys got me in trouble,” he said. “Earlier in today’s show we were talking about the Patriots’ post-game party and I made some comments that other people — some people — took as insensitive remarks, so for those that took it that way I definitely apologize. Pretty sure I always say things that upset people, get under people’s skin. I guess today was no different. So I’m sorry for the pushback.”
Sounds like somebody got a prompt slap on the wrist after making the remark. Rose obviously didn’t mean anything by it, but you can see how that would tread the line of racism even if he was joking. Is it acceptable for everyday conversation? For me, yes. For a radio show, probably not.
