Sports

Update: ESPN Fires Employee Behind Offensive Lin Headline, Suspends Anchor for Saying the Same Thing

Update: ESPN Fires Employee Behind Offensive Lin Headline, Suspends Anchor for Saying the Same Thing

Image source: Sports Grid

ESPN has fired the employee responsible for using a racial slur in its headline about New York Knicks basketball sensation Jeremy Lin, the network said Sunday.

The headline “Chink in the Armor” appeared briefly on ESPN’s mobile website after the Knicks lost to the New Orleans Hornets Friday night.

“The ESPN employee responsible for our Mobile headline has been dismissed,” ESPN said in a statement.

Additionally, the network announced anchor Max Bretos has received a 30-day suspension for using the same phrase in reference to Lin while on the air Wednesday night.

Bretos apologized for his word choice via Twitter Saturday: “Wanted 2 apologize 2 all those I have upset. Not done with any racial reference. Despite intention,phrase was inappropriate in this context.”

“My wife is Asian, would never intentionally say anything to disrespect her and that community,” he said in a follow-up post.

In still a third incident, ESPN said it became aware of a “similar reference” to Lin made Friday during ESPN Radio New York. The person who made the comment was not an ESPN employee, the network said.

No other details about the incidents were provided except that they were “separate and different.”

“We again apologize, especially to Mr. Lin,” the network said. “His accomplishments are a source of great pride to the Asian-American community, including the Asian-American employees at ESPN. Through self-examination, improved editorial practices and controls, and response to constructive criticism, we will be better in the future.”

Comments (108)

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  • GoldenRudy
    Posted on February 19, 2012 at 2:46pm

    The very funny and successful comedian, Myron Cohen, that entertained many on the Sunday evening’s Ed Sullivan Show telling jokes and stories with a heavily “put-on” Jewish accent. Today he would be banned today, sadly. Look what we have for comedians now. Everyone now is “offended”; and “offended” and what should not offend them..

    Report Post » GoldenRudy  
    • shogun459
      Posted on February 19, 2012 at 2:50pm

      Jackie Mason as well, don’t see him working anymore. He’s alive saw an interview recently.

      Report Post » shogun459  
    • Manchurian.Candidate
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 9:08am

      Jackie Mason isn‘t working because he isn’t funny. He’s a tired old shvants. OY!

      Report Post » Manchurian.Candidate  
    • DrFrost
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 11:17am

      No no no…. you can still be very offensive as a comedian. Just look at Bill Maher. It’s very acceptable to tell tasteless jokes and make offensive comments targetted at christians (not muslims so you can’t pick and choose your religious target…. and you can target judaism cautiously since anti-semitism is coming back into style) or conservative movements such as the tea party. You can even target women as long as they’re conservative (Palin, Bachman, etc.) Though even Maher isn’t brave enough to attack Allen West based on his race, though his excuse for everything else is “It was just a joke!” and that argument would seem to be just as worthy against conservative black men as conservative white women.

      Report Post »  
  • Doctor MD
    Posted on February 19, 2012 at 2:46pm

    Are you kidding me?

    Report Post »  
    • Jenny Lind
      Posted on February 19, 2012 at 3:26pm

      Nope, it really is that stupid. Geeez, a simple apology for a silly, stupid pun should have been enough. We have lost our minds and our sense of humor-any lapse equals an unemployment check. We really need some serious leadership. we are way down the slippery slope to tyranny.

      Report Post »  
    • Lesterp
      Posted on February 19, 2012 at 3:33pm

      I am not for the suspension but I am for the firing of the writer. The writer did it maliciously not the sportscaster.

      Report Post » Lesterp  
    • Lucy Larue
      Posted on February 19, 2012 at 6:56pm

      DOCTOR MD,
      Are you a doctor from Maryland or are you being redundant?
      Re your comment…,“Are you kidding me”. Non! There is no kidding involved.
      Progressives are in charge. They have no humour…,NONE.

      All of us understand that the ESPN apology is insincere. This does not matter to Progressives.
      They have no depth. It works for them.It does not matter how skewed it is.

      Bretos got a 30 day suspension despite his Asian wife…,cause you know …,he’s a racist!

      If President Dunham gets 4 more years this is only going to get worse.The goal is DIVISION!

      This country needs to man up and stand up!

      Report Post »  
  • macpappy
    Posted on February 19, 2012 at 2:43pm

    Does ESPN think that such a thing matters to the folks that choose to use the free time they have to watch this channel. I bet you a dollar to a donut that 99% of ESPN viewers said “huh, that was funny” and moved on.

    Report Post » macpappy  
    • WickedLove
      Posted on February 19, 2012 at 3:47pm

      Actually, from the comment sections at Espn.com the majority thought it was tasteless and inappropriate.

      Report Post »  
  • Ralphbp
    Posted on February 19, 2012 at 2:39pm

    I just have to mention “thepostman” who posts herein. In reading his posts here and in other places in theblaze, one has to wonder what planet he is from. On one hand he appears logical in his approach, but there is an undertone of contempt for anyone who disagrees with his proclamations. As he proclaims his superiority, he sneers at anyone who would disagree. Sorry ole son, you are just a man. Flawed as is everyone here. Time to hop on your high horse and ride off to the land of the extreme left wing narcissists where you can proclaim yourself demi-god.

    Report Post » Ralphbp  
  • Smokey_Bojangles
    Posted on February 19, 2012 at 2:39pm

    This Slanted yellow Journalism must end some where! Tho The Bible implies that the rich have less of a chance getting through the eye of a needle than a camel,Jockeys do not make a lot of money and are based on size and never race. I Watched a Bowl game between two 8-5 teams.The Winning team had a Caucasian quarter Back.The Loosing Team did not.The entire time the team was losing the announcers kept referring to the losing Quarter Back and how great he was as he was throwing interceptions and making bad passes.It was an ESPN game.

    Report Post » Smokey_Bojangles  
    • shogun459
      Posted on February 19, 2012 at 2:52pm

      The camel analogy is that with God all things are possible even that a rich man get into heaven.

      The point is to not let your ‘whatever’ get between you and God.

      Report Post » shogun459  
    • G-WHIZ
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 11:00am

      to: SMOKEY_BOJANGLES Just turn-down the sound and watch “the silent-movie” the actual plays. This will greatly increase your game-pleasure and accuracy of outcome-facts. [:o)

      Report Post »  
  • shogun459
    Posted on February 19, 2012 at 2:38pm

    PC Police are anyone.

    Your CoWorker is one of them.

    They are everywhere.

    They are the Obama “Truth Squads”.

    TS = SS

    Coming to your town soon.

    Report Post » shogun459  
  • shogun459
    Posted on February 19, 2012 at 2:35pm

    Words mean things.

    We shouldn’t be afraid of words.

    PC Police are Thought Police.

    PC is Double-Think.

    The truth is what They tell you it is.

    Unless you READ.

    Report Post » shogun459  
  • JUSTANOTHEROPINION
    Posted on February 19, 2012 at 2:34pm

    What ever hapened to the first admendment of the constitution? The comment was not one to insight violence nor designed to hummiliate anyone. It was a catchy phrase, centered around a long standing tradition in the public media of having a phrase in the headline to catch your attention and sell more advertising to make more money for the company. Oh heck, lighten up for goodness sake!!!

    Report Post »  
    • WickedLove
      Posted on February 19, 2012 at 3:44pm

      Sigh, the 1st Amendment protects you from government persecution. It doesn’t prevent a private company for firing you for the things you say, especially if they feel it is damaging to the company’s public image. The fact is your words have consequences.

      Report Post »  
  • Wilbur Longshank
    Posted on February 19, 2012 at 2:34pm

    Red Falcon
    Posted on February 19, 2012 at 2:09pm

    Your meanings are not in the dictionary, the word c.h.i.n.k. is, and the mean I posted is. stupid liberal people maybe like you, maybe not have made the word c.h.i.n.k what it is today.

    maybe you would suggest we rewrite the engllish dictionary along with the constitution.

    Report Post »  
  • Z
    Posted on February 19, 2012 at 2:32pm

    Seriouly! so sick of this PC racial crap.

    Report Post » Z  
  • ThePostman
    Posted on February 19, 2012 at 2:16pm

    I wonder if the Blaze is going to censor the word “*****” now?

    Report Post »  
  • Red Falcon
    Posted on February 19, 2012 at 2:09pm

    Wilbur, Yes, that is one meaning, but would they have used that phrase if Lin was not of Taiwanese ancestry?

    Another meaning is: ***** (also chinki, chinky, chinkie) is an English slang term referring mainly to a person of Chinese ethnicity but sometimes generalized to refer to any person of East Asian descent. Considered an ethnic slur and an insult.

    Report Post »  
  • Itsjusttim
    Posted on February 19, 2012 at 2:08pm

    And some people are born with a broken heart and some people’s hearts become broken, and some people abuse their temples, and some people hide from the truth by:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPDx9HPOGwA

    Report Post » Itsjusttim  
  • Itsjusttim
    Posted on February 19, 2012 at 2:04pm

    Remember that God said when a young man comes to know a damsel they become married in God’s eyes because:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mizp00mi0YU&feature=related

    Report Post » Itsjusttim  
  • Airgun
    Posted on February 19, 2012 at 2:04pm

    @DZ——Troll alert.

    Report Post » Airgun  
  • chitstirrer
    Posted on February 19, 2012 at 2:03pm

    This is an expression that has been part of the English language for over 600 years. When you say that someone has a ***** in his armour, what you mean is that the person has a minor fault which is likely to cause him problems. In other words, the person has a flaw which can be taken advantage of by other people. The expression can be used with things as well.

    *The up and coming star spent hours looking for a ***** in the champion’s armour.

    The word ‘*****’ has nothing to do with a ‘Chinaman’. This ‘*****’ is a rather obscure word meaning ‘slit’ or ‘narrow opening’. In the old days, as a form of protection, soldiers used to wear armour. If the armour had a slit, then it became a weak spot, which enemies took advantage of.

    Report Post »  
    • Red Falcon
      Posted on February 19, 2012 at 2:12pm

      @CHITSTIRRER, newsflash! Most words have more than one meaning, and in this case that meaning is a racial slur.

      Report Post »  
    • Grasshopper42
      Posted on February 19, 2012 at 2:18pm

      Thanks for a breath of common sense. The true meaning of words have become so convoluted it makes me ill. Mean what you say and say what you mean.

      Report Post » Grasshopper42  
    • ThePostman
      Posted on February 19, 2012 at 2:20pm

      The only people that think this has racial undertones are those who are always thinking about race and the division of the races.

      You’ll notice that, ala Gran Torino, many men are comfortable enough with each other to be able to use the slurs in totally wholesome and positive tones and meanings. It is only those that carry a chip on their shoulder who have a problem with it. it is only those who wish to INCREASE racial strife that wish to curtail our language.

      It’s basic freedom of speech, folks.

      Report Post »  
    • chitstirrer
      Posted on February 19, 2012 at 3:14pm

      Oh yea…like a red neck falcon?

      Report Post »  
    • chitstirrer
      Posted on February 19, 2012 at 3:22pm

      I am though a bit confused why The Blaze would edit out the word “*****” when it is used in the AA 12 Step and 12 Traditions book. Glenn?

      Report Post »  
    • what4
      Posted on February 19, 2012 at 3:28pm

      Perfectly stated, wonder if Chicom would have been a better choice?

      Report Post »  
    • Mateytwo Barreett
      Posted on March 3, 2012 at 12:07pm

      You typed that whole thing with a straight face, dincha?

      Report Post » Mateytwo Barreett  
  • TJexcite
    Posted on February 19, 2012 at 2:03pm

    “inappropriate in this context.” But If it was a white guys it would be just fine. If it was Nick in his amour no one would care. How PC could you be.

    Report Post » TJexcite  
    • Red Falcon
      Posted on February 19, 2012 at 2:15pm

      @TJEXCITE, You are right, if it was a white guy it would be just fine, but Lin is not Caucasian. Should we apply “if it was a white guy” to everything said when judging racial slurs?

      Report Post »  
    • shogun459
      Posted on February 19, 2012 at 2:48pm

      @RED FALCON

      Adjectives is a good example,,, the rule,, you don’t know the ru….

      Okay,
      On the mountain Through the mountain, Cover the ….
      If you can do-it to-it it’s an adjective, apply the same rules.
      That means no crackers as well you know.

      Report Post » shogun459  
    • HumbleMan
      Posted on February 19, 2012 at 3:22pm

      I object! Caucasian is a race too. Why are people of that race disenfranchised? Ask Mr. Holder.

      Report Post » HumbleMan  
  • Wilbur Longshank
    Posted on February 19, 2012 at 1:57pm

    How funny is that “The Blaze” has deleted the word c.h.i.n.k. the Blasze is being PC. hahahahahah now that’s freakin funny.
    Hey stupid people at the Blaze it’s a freaking word in the dictionary.

    Gee lets see will the Blaze sensor the word Gay? G.a.y. that’s also in the dictionary.

    Report Post »  
  • The_Jerk
    Posted on February 19, 2012 at 1:52pm

    Knock off the perpetual victimhood claims. Man up. No one should have been fired or suspended. That was true for Rush, Albright, Sanchez, Sheen, and Imus too!

    Report Post »  
    • afishfarted
      Posted on February 19, 2012 at 2:11pm

      Man up is right.

      The left has made it so a person can’t say ANY thing that MIGHT be implied as offensive. DId you hear about the councelman that was chastised by a fellow councelman for saying their budget was being sucked into a black hole? Of course, the offended councelman tried to imply the statement referred to the black population, when it did not imply any such thing.

      The left is not only deminishing our first amendment rights, but have succeed in turning men into wet wash rags by making them apologize for saying things that had no racial intent at all.

      Report Post »  
    • CatB
      Posted on February 19, 2012 at 2:13pm

      I agree .. and doesn’t this mean that there is a “mark” in the armour??? I don’t think they used it as a “slur” it is just a saying … I guess you can’t say anything unless the person is white .. and then anything goes!

      Report Post »  
  • jimmysinatra
    Posted on February 19, 2012 at 1:52pm

    BETSPN has stunk up the sports world for too many years now. You see more dances than touchdowns; more dunks and chest beating than 3 point shots; the only hockey stories that they share for more than 10 seconds are stories on why there aren’t more blacks playing hockey. Stop watching and/or boycott their sponsors. I’ve been done with them for 10 years now; You can get the MLB, NHL, NFL, and college sports networks now. ESPN’s time has past. I would like to say Rest in Piece, but I really just want them to rest.

    Report Post »  
  • AmericanLass
    Posted on February 19, 2012 at 1:43pm

    I think the word police have way too much time on their hands. Or are just looking for controversy to fit their agenda. I wasn’t even aware that the word was anything but a old saying. What’s next ?

    Report Post » AmericanLass  
    • Red Falcon
      Posted on February 19, 2012 at 1:46pm

      You are partly right that most Americans do not necessarily recognize a racial slur when they see or say one, but trust me, it is.

      Report Post »  
    • Red Falcon
      Posted on February 19, 2012 at 1:51pm

      To be fair, ESPN, and every other network, should come up with a list of racial slurs not to be said on the air. It would be the modern version of Carlin‘s seven words you can’t say on television. That‘s a list I’d love to see!

      Report Post »  
    • shogun459
      Posted on February 19, 2012 at 3:00pm

      Red, shorty, stubs, burr head, shnoz, host, *******, white bread, pale face, goium, gijin, monkey boy, BEM, wide load, thunder thighs, big mamma, babe,

      Someone else take it from here.

      Report Post » shogun459  
  • geonj
    Posted on February 19, 2012 at 1:43pm

    way to cya espn. must have been a white employee.

    Report Post » geonj  
  • GoodStuff
    Posted on February 19, 2012 at 1:40pm

    Down with cable bundling. So that we no longer have to pay for idiotic channels like ESPN which is run by politically correct clowns.

    Report Post »  
  • AB5r
    Posted on February 19, 2012 at 1:35pm

    As a grounded Christian it is highly unlikely Mr. Lin would have been all that upset over the cute play on words. ESPN has some girly men, or probably women, in charge and they are pushing the PC limits to the max. Hank was unbelievable, now this.

    Report Post » AB5r  
    • Red Falcon
      Posted on February 19, 2012 at 1:44pm

      A racial slur is not a play on words.

      Report Post »  
    • AB5r
      Posted on February 19, 2012 at 4:18pm

      Come off it, people need to grow up and cut the sensitivity crap out. People are not made of delicate china that will break if someone says one little thing about them. In case you haven’t noticed, all of this political correctness is not making the world a better place, blacks are more racist than ever, and other races now feel compelled to jump on the racist bandwagon and “fight” for “their” “rights” against evil whites. Everyone but evil white people get a special ax to grind, but only against whites. And now it has gone so far that unfettered third world immigration is resulting in the destruction of historic Christian/White/European countries. Just as with a recipe, a little bit of spice can enhance the dish, but if you add too much it ruins it. When you take Christian/White/European civilization and bring a “few” minority groups that can enhance or spice up the culture, but if it continues until whites are in the minority, well then you have what those various minorities left behind, a third world country. It is not racist to acknowledge that Christian/European/White people have a @##$#@ @#$#@ @##$#@ right to preserve what their ancestors created! And there isn’t a single country on EARTH that a white/Christian/European individual can go where they will not be singled out and treated with racism by the indigenous people, including where Lin’s ancestors came from! Maybe whites should move BY THE HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS to Africa and start their own situation goin

      Report Post » AB5r  
    • AB5r
      Posted on February 19, 2012 at 4:21pm

      Maybe whites should move by the hundreds of millions to Africa and start their own situation going there, after all, everyone is equal, who could complain? Oh wait, whites are still condemned to the pits of hell by self-righteous twits for so-called Colonialism, never mind that the cities in many of those countries are only there because they were built by evil white colonialists.

      Report Post » AB5r  
  • henryKnox
    Posted on February 19, 2012 at 1:28pm

    ESPN is so racially oriented it makes me sick. They seem to think everything is about race. I stopped watching ESPN when they fired Hank Williams Jr. I’ve had it with these SPEECH POLICE.

    Report Post » henryKnox  
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