First, it was the headline on ESPN's mobile website after the Knicks' loss, saying "Chink in the Armor," and then there was also an ESPN anchor saying the same thing live on air in a conversation with Walt Frazier a few days ago. There was also the same reference on ESPN New York radio.This has boiled up much controversy for the past few days, and now after all of this, ESPN issued a statement on what happened:
At ESPN we are aware of three offensive and inappropriate comments made on ESPN outlets during our coverage of Jeremy Lin.
Saturday we apologized for two references. We have since learned of a similar reference Friday on ESPN Radio New York. The incidents were separate and different. We have engaged in a thorough review of all three and have taken the following action:
• The ESPN employee responsible for our Mobile headline has been dismissed.
• The ESPNEWS anchor has been suspended for 30 days.
• The radio commentator is not an ESPN employee.
We again apologize, especially to Mr. Lin. 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.
What do you guys think of this? Did ESPN handle this situation the right way?
