ESPN employee fired for Chinese slur

Jeremy Lin

BRISTOL, Conn. (AP) — ESPN fired an employee responsible for an offensive headline about Knicks sensation Jeremy Lin.

The headline Friday on ESPN’s mobile website was used for a story about a New York loss in which Lin had nine turnovers. The headline was an idiom that contains a word that also can be used as a slur against Chinese.

“I don’t think it was on purpose or whatever, but (at) the same time they have apologized. And so from my end I don’t care anymore,” Lin said after leading the Knicks to a 104-97 win over Dallas on Sunday. “Have to learn to forgive, and I don’t even think that was intentional. Or hopefully not.”

Lin is the NBA’s first American-born player of Chinese or Taiwanese descent. He captivated fans by leading the Knicks to seven straight wins before Friday’s loss.

In a statement Sunday, ESPN apologized for that headline and said it is aware of two other “offensive and inappropriate” comments. An ESPNEWS anchor who used the same phrase was suspended for 30 days. The cable network said a similar reference was made on ESPN Radio New York, but the commentator is not an ESPN employee.

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Vice-President & Asst. Editor-in-Chief of The Heat Magazine, Arlene is a Louisiana native, Certified Paralegal, Publicist for Rue Rois Music, LLC, writer, and jack of all trades, who is heavily involved in her community as well as the New Orleans Union for Entertainment (NOUE). Her work is published across the web, and includes several titles as Creative Writer for a True Blood site, & for The Examiner, SwagHer Magazine, Barbershop Magazine, & several other sites. In addition, she is affiliated with Rob G Radio & Kenner City Records Radio. She is also working on her first novel & aspires to turn it into a film. Arlene loves the New Orleans Saints & Hornets. She encourages you to get involved in your community & do whatever you can to save our youth. She can be reached via email at Arlene@theheatmag.com. Follow her on Twitter - @Arlene_HeatMag.