The cable television sports network ESPN has dismissed an employee responsible for an offensive headline about Knicks basketball sensation Jeremy Lin, the Associated Press says.
The headline on Friday on ESPN’s mobile website was used for a story about a New York loss in which Lin had nine turnovers. The headline contains a word that also can be used as a slur against Chinese, AP said.
“I don’t think it was on purpose or whatever, but (at) the same time they have apologised. 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 apologised for that headline and said it is aware of two other “offensive and inappropriate” comments, AP added.
