Ex-ESPN writer apologizes for racial slur
Anthony Federico, the former ESPN writer whose controversial headline about New York Knicks player Jeremy Lin caused him to be fired apologized on Monday.
Federico called the headline, which read “Chink in the Armor: Jeremy Lin’s 9 Turnovers Cost Knicks in Streak-stopping Loss to Hornets” an “honest mistake” in an interview with the NY Daily News. The headline appeared on ESPN website for a mere half hour before being taken down.
ESPN promptly fired Federico and suspended Max Bretos, an anchor who had also used the saying. The sports network said “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.”
According to CNN, Jeremy Lin confronted the controversy on Saturday saying “I don’t think it was on purpose,”At the same time, they’ve apologized. I don’t care anymore.”
In the interview Federico explained “This had nothing to do with me being cute or punny. I’m sorry that I offended people. I’m sorry that I offended Jeremy”
Max Bretos also apologized, taking to Twitter to apologize for his use of the phrase on Wednesday saying “My wife is Asian, would never intentionally say anything to disrespect her and that community. Despite intention, phrase was inappropriate in context.”
