From the “What Were They Thinking?” Department, someone at ESPN put a “Chink in the Armor” headline at its mobile and tablet site for Jeremy Lin’s first loss. While it was not visible at its desktop site, many people saw it and quickly put screengrabs on Twitter.
The headline was removed, but not after an uproar ensued. I’m sure a statement is being crafted by ESPN on this matter.
And Guyism points out that this isn’t the first time at ESPN a “Chink in the armor” reference was used regarding Jeremy Lin this week.
I’m going to give ESPN the benefit of the doubt that this was unintentional, but as someone who’s been called “chink” growing up, this is very offensive. The network has to be very careful in the future.
h/t The Big Lead, SportsGrid, Bob’s Blitz, Busted Coverage, Romenesko
UPDATE, 9:08 a.m.: ESPN has issued a statement apologizing for the headline.
Statement on New York Knicks Jeremy Lin Headline
Last night, ESPN.com’s mobile web site posted an offensive headline referencing Jeremy Lin at 2:30 am ET. The headline was removed at 3:05 am ET. 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.
Hopefully, this is the last we have to hear of this.
UPDATE, 1:15 p.m.: ESPN has also issued this apology in regard to Max Bretos’ using “Chink in the armor” on ESPNews Wednesday. It was read on the air by anchor Jorge Andres at 12:35 p.m. today.
ESPNEWS Apology Regarding Jeremy Lin Question
Wednesday night on ESPNEWS, an anchor used an inappropriate word in asking a question about Jeremy Lin. ESPN apologizes for the incident, and is taking steps to avoid this in the future.
That’s it.
UPDATE, 3:20 p.m.: Here’s the video of the apology that aired on SportsCenter this afternoon.
