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New York Knicks' Jeremy Lin drives past New Orleans Hornets' Jarrett Jack and Trevor Ariza. Frank Franklin II/AP/Press Association Images
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Fired: ESPN dismiss writer of offensive Jeremy Lin headline

Anthony Federico, the man who wrote a racial slur into a basketball headline, has been fired the American broadcaster.

THE WRITER WHO pinned the headline, “Chink in the armor” to an article on ESPN’s website has been fired by the broadcaster.

The story related to Jeremy Lin, the New York Knicks’ Taiwanese / American point guard whose meteoric rise to fame has been branded ‘Linsanity.’

Lin, an un-drafted Harvard graduate,  had led the Knicks to seven wins in a row after an early season slump.

On Saturday, that run came to an end and the 23-year-old’s nine turnovers were cited as the chief reason for his side’s 89-85 defeat to the New Orleans Hornets.

ESPN also apologised for a similar comment made by their radio broadcaster Max Bretos, though their statement yesterday said: ”The incidents were separate and different.”

The offending headline was reportedly on the site for 35 minutes on Saturday night and the network promised a thorough review.

Today’s result of that is a 30 day suspension for Bretos and a dismissal for Anthony Federico.

The 28-year-old writer expressed remorse speaking to the New York Daily News, he said:

“This had nothing to do with trying to be cute or punny, I’m so sorry if I offended people. I’m so sorry if I offended Jeremy.”

Federico added little ill feeling towards his former employers, saying “ESPN did what they had to do.”

Lin himself, clearly did not wish for the matter to rumble on any further and attempted to draw a line under the incident.

“I don’t think it was on purpose, at the same time, they’ve apologized. I don’t care anymore.”

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