ESPN and Jeremy Lin Move Past Offensive Headline
ESPN offered an apology to Jeremy Lin after stiff criticism arose over an offensive headline that was used to describe the NBA star Jeremy Lin after the Knicks lost on Friday night.
The slur was in a phrase that was part of a headline on ESPN.com's mobile website in which it stated that there might be a weakness or "chink" in Lin's game. The headline appeared from 2:30 to 3:05 a.m. Saturday morning before being removed.
The same expression was also used by ESPN anchor Max Bretos earlier in the week during an interview about Lin with Hall of Fame guard Walt Frazier.
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Before ESPN issued an apology they first addressed the situation on Friday. "We are conducting a complete review of our cross-platform editorial procedures and are determining appropriate disciplinary action to ensure this does not happen again. We regret and apologize for this mistake."
The network released a statement on Sunday that said it had fired the employee responsible for the headline and was also suspending the anchor for 30 days for "offensive and inappropriate comments."
"We again apologize, especially to Mr. Lin," ESPN said in a statement. "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."
Lin, the first Asian-American to start an NBA game, had nine turnovers in the Knicks' loss to the Hornets at Madison Square Garden on Friday night. Lin still showed that he is no fluke and was still able to dazzle the crowd with 26 points and 5 assists.
The defeat snapped a seven-game winning streak for the Knicks who had been led by the undrafted Harvard graduate. Lin has since emerged as a NBA sensation with his unprecedented performances and is now the undisputed starting point guard for the Knicks.
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