You knew this was coming, right? A little more than a day after ESPN's mobile Web site sparked a ton of controversy by featuring the headline "Chink in the Armor" underneath a photo of Jeremy Lin after the Knicks lost to the Hornets on Friday to snap a seven-game winning Linning streak, ESPN announced that they have fired the employee who was responsible for creating the offensive headline. They also announced that they've suspended an ESPN News anchor who used the same phrase during a show late last week for 30 days. In a statement, ESPN apologized for both incidents and apologized to Lin for the poor judgment calls on the parts of both employees.
"We again apologize, especially to Mr. Lin," the statement read. "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 responded to all of the controversy on Sunday after leading the Knicks to a victory over the Mavericks, telling reporters that he's already moved on from ESPN's misstep. "I don't think it was on purpose or whatever," he said, "but [at] the same time, they have apologized. And so from my end I don't care anymore. Have to learn to forgive, and I don't even think that was intentional. Or hopefully not."
We hope not, too. But, either way, ESPN had to make a move here, so we can't say that we're surprised to hear that they made it. Now, let's just hope it doesn't happen again. There are enough bad Lin puns out there, guys. Next time you're creating a headline, use one of those.
[via Chicago Tribune]
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