Sports

Another ESPN Firing on the Way? Headline Uses ‘Gook’ in Story About Asian Player

A little over a week after an ESPN headline used “chink in the armor” for a story about Asian basketball player Jeremy Lin, ESPN might now have another headline issue to deal with — this one dealing with the word (or rather name) “Gook.”

(Related: Beck weighs in on “jellyfish capitalism” and Jeremy Lin)

In a front page headline that appeared on the company’s Soccernet section on Saturday, the word — which can be a derogatory name for Asians — was used in reference to soccer player Lee Dong-Gook. Here’s how it appeared:

ESPN Headline Uses Gook to Refer to Lee Dong Gook

The headline on the story currently reads “Lee double earns victory.”

So what’s the issue? Deadspin explains some of the nuance behind the headline:

We actually got a tip about it from Andy W, but dismissed it because we’d never heard of Lee Dong-Gook and figured ESPN had Westernized the order of his name (in other words, that his given name was Lee and his surname was hyphenated).

That, alas, wasn’t the case. “Gook” is actually just part of Lee’s given name, and not an especially descriptive one, either. Nobody who knew what they were doing would use “Gook” to mean Lee Dong-Gook, and you‘ll note that the article has since been changed to use Lee’s surname.

In short, the common and correct way to shorten the player’s name is to refer to him as Lee. Still, couldn’t the writer be given the benefit of the doubt and excused for a simple slip up? Of course. However, that wasn’t the grace extended to former headline writer Anthony Federico — the man behind the Jeremy Lin headline.

Federico was fired despite much public support for him, especially considering “chink in the armor” is a popular phrase with no racist meaning behind it. So some will certainly wonder if ESPN will take action against the writer in this case, despite Gook being part of the name. There has been no official word from the company yet about the latest headline, though.

The incident, and the lack of action thus far, is especially curious considering one possible reason for ESPN’s firing of Federico in the first place. According to the organization hired as ESPN’s ombudsman (the Poynter Institute), one factor may have been a memo that went out to employees during the rise of Jeremy Lin that apparently told them to take extra caution. Federico wasn’t cautious enough, so his intentions didn’t play into his termination.

That’s left many wondering: Is there a double standard? And if no firing is warranted for this latest headline, was Federico’s firing justified in the first place?

(H/T: Mediaite)

Comments (79)

1 2
  • OniKaze
    Posted on February 28, 2012 at 1:16pm

    Wow. I never in my imagination thought that during a time when the political ruling class in our country is busy trying to DESTROY our country, would we all be concerned about some stupid P.C. nonsense that has no major impact on anything except the fools who actually read ESPN’s website.

    I understand reporting on the ridiculousness that is the current media, however to keep these stories alive like they actually matter is kinda stupid. These are non-stories. Just goes to show you where most peoples heads are actually at, as compared to where they should be…

    Get your priorities straight people, sports are for entertainment, and there won’t be much entertainment after the democrats ruin our country and turn it into some “take from the rich” land of dependent fools.

    THAT will be a problem worth reporting on.

    Report Post » OniKaze  
    • 123456beatriz
      Posted on February 28, 2012 at 1:24pm

      ESPN are Imbeciles!

      Report Post »  
    • KevINtampa
      Posted on February 28, 2012 at 4:30pm

      A good man was fired for an honest mistake. That’s the story here, and no, the story shouldn’t be allowed to die; not until ESPN execs recognize and correct their mistake.

      ONIKAZE, your indifference to the injustice is a perfect example of the indifference in us all that has gotten us to this point. THAT IS THE STORY.

      We need to recognize this or else we can not grow out of this culture that‘s let’s the uncommon sense drive the masses. I mean this with the utmost respect. Please understand.

      Report Post »  
  • Benjamin Abruzzo
    Posted on February 28, 2012 at 1:03pm

    Oh, I get it. It’s like the Bajorans on Star Trek. Family name first, given name last.

    So, great. Now that he is in the USofA, shouldn’t he write his name Dong-G00k Kim? No? Okay, maybe not. After all Kira Nerys’ last name was her given name. And anybody paying half the attention to sci-fi OR the news would know this format (Kim Jong-il anybody?).

    Now, wait for the articles about former Australian rules footballer Albert George “Bert” G00k. Then you have a problem.

    Though John McCain did use the word to refer to his captors, making a distinction between the communist soldiers who tortured him and the general population of Vietnam. His intent was to insult the men who inprisoned and tourtured him. So, your milage may vary.

    Report Post » Benjamin Abruzzo  
  • louaap
    Posted on February 28, 2012 at 12:34pm

    Its all Chinese to me…….

    Report Post »  
  • Libertyrevolutionary
    Posted on February 28, 2012 at 12:30pm

    When will the new Word Police Dictionary be published? Will it be called “Lessons in RightSpeek”? I need to read 1984 again to bone up on my lanquage skills. Of course, since we can’t actually say or write many words today, many of the entries will just have the first letter, and you will have to guess the rest. We’re turning into a nation of juviniles with kindergarden vocabularies! How sad.

    Report Post »  
  • GMP
    Posted on February 28, 2012 at 12:27pm

    Not the place, bro..

    Report Post » GMP  
  • scuba13
    Posted on February 28, 2012 at 12:22pm

    My wifes name is Fat Ho so what do I care.

    Report Post » scuba13  
  • Nemo13
    Posted on February 28, 2012 at 12:20pm

    Well, lessee… This is America, so should we be so updated on how asians use their names in addressing one another? And if so, how would that help Americans since we are used to going by last name here? It may be a terrible thing in Korea or wheverever the hell, but this is America, so who gives a f_______________? ;-)

    Report Post »  
  • EchoHawk
    Posted on February 28, 2012 at 12:18pm

    One can only hope that Glenn has the same fate a Lee Atwater.

    Report Post »  
    • BurntHills
      Posted on February 28, 2012 at 12:42pm

      one can only hope all of us can bring our lawnchairs to watch that rabid animal obama swing from a gallows for his crimes against America.

      Report Post » BurntHills  
  • THXll38
    Posted on February 28, 2012 at 12:11pm

    Racism: : a belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race.

    Stop using this damn word unless you know what it means. There is nothing racist about calling someone a g00k when it is there last name.

    Report Post » THXll38  
    • RJJinGadsden
      Posted on February 28, 2012 at 12:16pm

      This is just more proof that PC has driven certain people to total madness. They are bashing the author of this with the soccer player’s A C T U A L N A M E?! I hope the player sues them if he can.

      Report Post » RJJinGadsden  
    • afishfarted
      Posted on February 28, 2012 at 12:23pm

      So now even the Blaze is being politically correct, cow towing to the left. My self and others reprinted “the name in question”, and the Blaze edited it by inserting ****. I thought you guys were more about honest critique.
      I just can’t believe it. You print an article about the hypersensativity, THEN DO WHAT THE ARTICLE COMPLAINS ABOUT !!!! unbelievable

      Report Post »  
  • Kitsune
    Posted on February 28, 2012 at 12:01pm

    Sorry, but they’d be in the right to fire him here.

    The way Korean names work, you’d use “Dong” if you wanted to use his first name, not “****”.

    Just like you wouldn’t use “Hyun” for baseball player Kim Byung-Hyun. Kim, yes. Byung, yes. Byung-Hyun, yes. Hyun by itself, no.

    Anyone with even the most remote familiarity with Korean names would know better.

    Report Post »  
    • THXll38
      Posted on February 28, 2012 at 12:09pm

      The political correctness in this country is getting out of control. His last name is freakin **** — get over it.

      Report Post » THXll38  
    • JayCee
      Posted on February 28, 2012 at 12:18pm

      You would fit right in at ESPN management.

      Report Post »  
    • Kitsune
      Posted on February 28, 2012 at 12:24pm

      No, his last name is Lee.

      Report Post »  
    • THXll38
      Posted on February 28, 2012 at 12:33pm

      In America, his last name is G00k. I don’t give a rats ass how they say it in Korea — I live in America.

      Report Post » THXll38  
    • SouthSideLib
      Posted on February 28, 2012 at 1:05pm

      And that‘s why you’re an idiot THX and why our country is an embarassment

      Report Post »  
    • bikerr
      Posted on February 28, 2012 at 1:35pm

      @SouthSideLib—only in a liberal pantie waste’s world is the U.S.A. an embarrassment. Remember The first lady is now proud of the U.S.A?. Careful what you post “They” will be paying you a visit.The only embarrassment is in the White House!

      Report Post »  
  • RedSoloCup
    Posted on February 28, 2012 at 11:52am

    Somewhere Hank Williams Jr. is laughing his ass off.

    Report Post » RedSoloCup  
    • JayCee
      Posted on February 28, 2012 at 12:13pm

      and Rush Limbaugh too.

      Report Post »  
    • EchoHawk
      Posted on February 28, 2012 at 12:21pm

      Somewhere Hank Williams Jr. has pissed himself and Rush Limbaugh too.

      Report Post »  
    • bikerr
      Posted on February 28, 2012 at 1:37pm

      @EchoHawk—Well, at least they are in your head.

      Report Post »  
  • cappicard
    Posted on February 28, 2012 at 11:51am

    Why is this even an issue? That is part of Lee’s first name. Many Orientals and other cultures place the family name first.

    Report Post »  
    • JayCee
      Posted on February 28, 2012 at 12:12pm

      It is an issue because of what the ESPN management idiots did to Anthoney Federico.

      Report Post »  
    • Eirana
      Posted on February 28, 2012 at 12:45pm

      CAPPICARD, where have you been? Don‘t you know you can’t say Oriental anymore, not PC bro! Apparently ***** in the armor is out as well. Oh, and gay meaning happy? Forget it. Can’t show Indians in headdress anymore, not PC! Oh damn, meant can’t show Native Americans in headdress. My bad. Our country is going down the toilet. Unless people see this and help place the right people in office it’s only going to get worse.

      The point of the article that it seems some people are missing is that it’s possibly a double standard to fire someone for ***** but not for ****, where in either case it’s fairly obvious to people with half a brain (am I allowed to say that?) that no racism was intended in either case.

      Report Post »  
  • Itsjusttim
    Posted on February 28, 2012 at 11:51am

    And I feel sorry for those people who stop doing certain things because they think themselves are oh so important to life. Because then what happens is that at some point they realize they are not important individually to God at all because they aren’t measurable, and they fall really, really hard. It’s interesting how people try to paint Jesus as a prude, and a very reserved person, because Jesus was a big time party person. Matthew 11:18-19. You see, Jesus had already conquered the temptations of men, and therefore he had full control over all things. Therefore he could drink and indulge into all the pleasurable things without it affecting his ghost. Jesus had a ghost of titanium so to speak.

    Report Post » Itsjusttim  
    • Itsjusttim
      Posted on February 28, 2012 at 11:57am

      In other words Elias wouldn’t watch a ball game and have a few beers, but Jesus would.

      Report Post » Itsjusttim  
    • Itsjusttim
      Posted on February 28, 2012 at 12:00pm

      And of course that‘s why Elias isn’t worthy to latcheth Jesus’ shoes.

      Report Post » Itsjusttim  
    • Itsjusttim
      Posted on February 28, 2012 at 12:04pm

      But of course people lose track of the things that are good and wholesome, therefore Elias has to come and take your pleasures away.

      Report Post » Itsjusttim  
    • scuba13
      Posted on February 28, 2012 at 12:51pm

      Why do you talk to yourself?

      Report Post » scuba13  
  • JayCee
    Posted on February 28, 2012 at 11:50am

    That is priceless!

    Hold the ESPN pinheads’ feet to the fire and make them respond to this blatant racist comment by one of their employees.

    Unfortunately, I can see the idiots doing just that.

    Report Post »  
  • Slowman101
    Posted on February 28, 2012 at 11:41am

    I don’t think it was an intentional insult or anything racist.

    Now I get pop-ups for school grants from the Blaze. What the hell? Hard up for money?

    Report Post »  
  • Itsjusttim
    Posted on February 28, 2012 at 11:37am

    I feel really sorry for people who have the understanding of God upside-down, because the Lord finds value in mankind, but not so much individual men. That’s why prophets say men are unmeasurable. And that which is unmeasurable can not demand miracles.

    Report Post » Itsjusttim  
    • destrecht
      Posted on February 28, 2012 at 11:43am

      What does this have to do with the story?

      Report Post »  
    • Itsjusttim
      Posted on February 28, 2012 at 11:47am

      And I feel sorry for those people who stop doing certain things because they think themselves are oh so important to life. Because then what happens is that at some point they realize they are not important individually to God at all because they aren’t measurable, and they fall really, really hard. It’s interesting how people try to paint Jesus as a prude, and a very reserved person, because Jesus was a big time party person. Matthew 11:18-19.

      Report Post » Itsjusttim  
    • SquidVetOhio
      Posted on February 28, 2012 at 11:57am

      @ITSJUSTTIM

      I realize you’re just trolling but, so that other aren’t misled by your misunderstanding of the Bible. Those verses are The Lord Jesus saying how the elitist pharisees said He was a crazy drunk that hung around with sinners. It doesn’t say that He was a drunkard. The pharisees were trying to discredit Him.

      As for your other point. The Bible, in no uncertain terms, makes clear God’s love and care for the individual person. The verses to prove this is too many to number but, here’s a few:

      Luke 11:10 – 13

      10For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

      11If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent?

      12Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?

      13If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

      Report Post » SquidVetOhio  
  • SquidVetOhio
    Posted on February 28, 2012 at 11:35am

    What!? I’m rivid! What a total rack of sensitivity! I rook forward to his firing. How you rike them apples?

    Report Post » SquidVetOhio  
  • SpankDaMonkey
    Posted on February 28, 2012 at 11:23am

    .
    Dong-****, I think it translates into Richard Head……..

    I think ESPN needs to fire it’s self, and come back on Monday…….

    Report Post » SpankDaMonkey  
    • AmericanStrega
      Posted on February 28, 2012 at 11:35am

      Remember Long-Duck-Dong from Sisteen Candles? “What’s happening hotstuff?”

      Report Post »  
    • afishfarted
      Posted on February 28, 2012 at 11:39am

      well by golly, we oughta make every Chinese person who has the name **** fired for using a derogatory word. Who cares if it’s a natural and common name. It’s insulting to the head-up-the-butt politically goofballs

      Report Post »  
  • TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12
    Posted on February 28, 2012 at 11:22am

    Fire this guy for that? Not a biggie.

    BUT… We need to fire Obama for the racist comment he made while also throwing his grandma under the bus… she’s just typical white person.”

    Just another good reason to get rid of Obama… but there are so many more…

    Report Post » TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12  
  • acdcguy
    Posted on February 28, 2012 at 11:21am

    appears “*ong” not allowed on comments page……..had some goodies

    Report Post »  
  • acdcguy
    Posted on February 28, 2012 at 11:16am

    That’s little bit of a stretch……now if was “Dong nails it”, “Dong sticks it in for victory”, “Dong and his two balls”…….and now ya’lls turn!!!!!

    Report Post »  
  • Locked
    Posted on February 28, 2012 at 11:16am

    “In a front page headline that appeared on the company’s Soccernet section on Saturday, the word — which can be a derogatory name for Asians”

    It’s a derogatory name for Vietnamese (and Filipinos, back in the early 20th century), not Asians in general. It’s like calling a South Korean a ***. It’s more likely to cause head-scratching followed by laughter at how much the person fails at geography, than cries of racism.

    Report Post »  
  • Itsjusttim
    Posted on February 28, 2012 at 11:15am

    There is no bigger government than Liberty. That statement is completely lost on you children of the night.

    Report Post » Itsjusttim  
    • Itsjusttim
      Posted on February 28, 2012 at 11:19am

      Think about it, in Liberty you have to play by the rules of the Lord. So then when someone has something stolen from another man in an environment of Liberty, or someone makes bad choices and they begin losing wealth or power or a family member dies, they go running crying to other men wanting to form a government by men. Because they reject the biggest government which exists which is Liberty.

      Report Post » Itsjusttim  
    • Itsjusttim
      Posted on February 28, 2012 at 11:22am

      Out of all the billions of souls in the world, there isn’t but a handful who can actually live freely in Liberty.

      Report Post » Itsjusttim  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on February 28, 2012 at 11:22am

      Wow, there are vampires on here? Scary.

      Report Post » Gonzo  
    • JACKTHETOAD
      Posted on February 28, 2012 at 11:27am

      What music we make! Moohaha.

      Report Post » JACKTHETOAD  
    • TEIN
      Posted on February 28, 2012 at 11:32am

      @ITSJUSTTIM….You are out thinking yourself…don’t think beyond your understanding…if you want an answer to your bad premise question and ill understanding, go and learn what it takes to construct a building that will last century’s….

      Report Post »  
  • bassist237
    Posted on February 28, 2012 at 11:15am

    I am sorry, but I laughed a little when I read this, because it is funny. Seriously people need to grow up, these “derogatory” terms are just words and in this case, happens to be the NAME of a person- who cares. You can call me *******, whitey, redneck all day if you’d like, ain’t no skin off my nose. Of course, I am white so things apparently don’t offend me yet I must apologize for everything I do (or have never done but somehow it‘s the white man’s fault), I guess. This socially sensitive and PC crap is so ridiculous and out of hand. Let me refer you to a great song about a pissed off middle class white guy by Ben Folds – Rockin’ the Suburbs :) fun song and funny video if you are interested. Have a great non politically correct day.

    Report Post » bassist237  
    • AmericanStrega
      Posted on February 28, 2012 at 11:41am

      Here’s one for ya. In Oregon there is a family with the last name of C..h.i..n.k…They had personalized plates for their cars (i.e., C..h.i..n.k 1, C..h.i..n..k 2, etc). The DMV ruled it was an offensive word and took away their plates. IT WAS THEIR FREAKING LAST NAME! PC has gone too far!

      Report Post »  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on February 28, 2012 at 11:14am

    That reminds me of a hilarious Dave Chappelle skit that shall remain nameless.

    Report Post » Gonzo  
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