Sports
ESPN fires employee for racist Jeremy Lin headline
5:42 PM on 02/19/2012
Jeremy Lin #17 of the New York Knicks reacts during the game against the Dallas Mavericks at Madison Square Garden on February 19, 2012 in New York City. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images)
BRISTOL, Connecticut (AP) -- The cable television sports network ESPN says it fired an employee responsible for an offensive headline referring to Knicks sensation Jeremy Lin.
The headline "Chink in the Armor" was used Friday on ESPN's mobile website after Lin had nine turnovers in New York's loss to New Orleans.
In a statement Sunday, ESPN apologizes for that headline and also says it is also aware of two other "offensive and inappropriate" comments on ESPN outlets.
An ESPNEWS anchor who used the phrase has been suspended for 30 days. And ESPN says a similar reference was made Friday on ESPN Radio New York, but the commentator is not an ESPN employee.
Lin is the NBA's first American-born player of Chinese or Taiwanese descent. He has captivated fans by leading the Knicks to seven straight wins before Friday's loss.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.
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