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

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."