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ESPN, in response to a firestorm over the unfortunate use of the colloquialism "chink in the armor" in the context of the public rise of the Harvard-educated, basketball sensation of Asian descent Jeremy Lin, fired editor Anthony Frederico and suspended, on air anchor, Max Brestos.  The quick move was made after the word "chink," which in addition to referring to a weakness in armor, doubles as a deroogatory perjorative towards Chinese, appeared in an ESPN mobile website headline and was uttered on the air as Max Brestos spoke to Clyde Frazier about Lin's weaknesses.  

According to a report appearing in the Daily News both Frederico and Brestos were devastated by the revelation that the use of the language was a racist attack on Jeremy Lin and people of Asian-descent.  Frederico, 28, admits that he understands why he was fired by ESPN but was staunch in his assertion that he did not think of the racial connotation of the phrase which he used "at least 100 times" in headlines.  He also indicated that Lin was one of his heroes because of his connection to Lin as a openly faithful Christian.  Frederico said "My faith is my life.  I'd love to tell Jeremy what happened and explain that this was an honest mistake. . . I had a career that I was proud of. . . .I am devastated that I caused a firestorm."

Bretos, who clearly without humor or jest, asked Frazier on the air, "If there was a chink in the armor, where can he improve his game?" seemed equally devastated by the selected nterpretation of his comment since his wife is Asian. "My wife is Asian, would never intentionally say anything to disrespect her and that community.  Despite intention, phrase was inappropriate in this context."

In keeping with the grace he has handled his public ascendancy, Lin accepted the explanations and apologies even stating that "I don't even think that was intentional."

Again Lin,through his faith, gives us an opportunity to better collectively in the face of adversity.  Lin is absolutely right to forgive Frederico and Brestos based upon the facts and not to get caught up in the tide or inconsiderate public opinion.  ESPN's decision to fire Frederico was response to commercial pressure and not a true examination of the circumstances of using a term which has double meanings.  The intent of the use of word with multiple meaning should carry significant weight in judging the intent of the resultant harm.  While it is often difficult to determine one's intent when certain language is used, it is not hard to give Frederico and Brestos the benefit of the doubt based upon their explanations and the fact that "chink in the armor" is a common colloquialism.  

Certainly, they would have done well to understand the racial nature of the Lin phenomenon.  Perhaps, just perhaps, better awareness would have encouraged them to use greater editorial focus in their language.  Perhaps, they should have been aware that this is a situation where editing out words is as important as choosing to use words.  In this instance, language has become even more important as writers and editors are caught up in the literary explosion of terms, nicknames and altered phrases which are a big part of "Linsanity."  However, the truth of the matter is that it is the media employer's responsibility to make sure that it's staff is appropriately sensitized to the pitfalls in language in racial contexts.  

Is it possible, that the word "chink" subconsciously crept into the editor and anchors minds as they were writing and announcing.  There is no doubt that the first thing to ocme into a wirters mind when he or she is trying to be creative is the common, obvious and overused.  The good writers, or those not trapped by a deadline, fight or edit through the obvious.  However, use of the first thing that comes to your mind does not in and of itself signify racism or racialism.

ESPN is right to discipline it's writers for mistakes that are harmful to others.  However, ESPN needs to balance the desire to protect its brand with its service to the worldwide community.  It would be of greater service to use this as a teachable moment as opposed to escpaing the situation by casting blame on employees with no attempt to harm others and firing them to absolve the company of wrongdoing.  The company may not be wrong in firing Frederico and suspending Brestos, but it is certainly wrong to not accept full responsibility for this incident and haivng an honest discussion about the matter.  Don't just sweep it under the rug by firing people unfairly.

Jeremy lin is willing to forgive them  This is why I love Jeremy Lin.  It might get to even forgive Floyd Merriweather who ws intentionally offensive in his poorly considered analysis.

 

Let it be known that there are plenty of Knicks fans who believe that the Knicks would have been better served if Renaldo Balkman was retained (if favor of let's say, Mike Bibby) upon the signing of J.R. Smith.  However, Balkman, aka "Taz" for Tazmanian Devil which reflected his frenetic playing style, who was in his second tour with the Knicks since being drafted by Isiah Thomas, was a fan favorite but never a favorite of Mike D'Antoni's.  Balkman's biggest problem was that he was not a three point shooter, but he was always the potential that the Knicks could bring far more energy to the game if he were given a chance.  He, like Jeffries, was a bundle of energy and something good always happened on the court with Balkman, despite mistakes on offense.  In his short appearances during the pre-season and garbage time, Balkman showed us that he remained ready to play.  There should be little doubt that Lin would have take advantage of his speed and constant hustle as he has turned around players like Fields and Novak.

In February 1986, eight months before Gary Carter led the New York Mets, from behind the plate, to a miraculous World Series triumph over the then-cursed Boston Red Sox, a beautiful young New Jersey-born African-American woman jumped to national prominence as she was nominated for three Grammy awards for her debut album "Whitney Houston."  Whitney, first cast into the African-American market, would eventually take the world by storm as her first album would eventually sell 20 million copies worldwide.  Yet, it was not what and how many records she sold that made her an international darling.  It was the distinct and powerful quality of her soulful voice which remains the standard to this day as seen through reality shows such as American Idol and the Voice.  It was her passion and energy which touched so many people through major aspects of their lives.  Despite her personal challenges and travails she graced our lives with joy and lessons on self-love through her music

And if those of us in the New York-New Jersey area were uplifted by her sound, then we were carried away by the infectious joy which Gary Carter exuded as he helped lead the New York Mets to an improbable victory in a seven-game world series.  Gary was the director of a marvelous pitching staff that boasted Dwight Gooden, Ron Darling, Rick Aguilera, Sid Fernandez, and Bob Ojeda, all of whom had double digit victories and 7 or fewer loses. When Mookie Wilson's grounder snuck between Bill Buckner's legs to give the Mets new life, it was as though all of New York rose in a loud scream of euphoria.  The Mets were a heck of a team but if not for his leadership and timely contribution, we would not have experienced the joy of another group of amazing Mets.

Linsanity is moving at the speed of light throughout the world.  It is moving os fast that it is nearly impossible to keep up with the daily exponential increase in popularity and attention being placed upon our young point guard who is handling it all with grace and class.   With the NBA's image tarnished by the heated lockout, it may have seemed that it would take years to repair the damage.  Yet, in one fell swoop and several penetration lay-ups of good fortune, David Stern must feel as though he is dreaming.  New fans, the world over, are flocking to the NBA as they follow the trail of one of the best feel good stories of the year.  Now Lin graces the cover of one of the biggest international mags around -- Time Magazine.  If his transformation ot the Knicks continues to go like this perhaps he will be on the cover twice this year -- the next time as Man Of The Year.  LOL!!!  You go Lin.

NBA Game Recap

The Jeremy Lin Show

Mike D'Antoni Postgame

J.R. Smith Postgame

Deal Brings MSG Back To Time Warner Cable, But Knicks Return With A Loss

Linsanity is over. 

Sources said Time Warner was overwhelmed with phone calls yesterday from subscribers demanding a rebate for the lost MSG games.

Word of the deal came hours after City Council Speaker Christine Quinn took to Twitter, urging cable subscribers to tell Time Warner to “demand a refund.”

The previous day, Quinn wrote to the warring TV execs, threatening to haul them into public hearings.

“Now, a million more New Yorkers will be able to go Linsane in the privacy of their own living room,” Quinn said.

Both Time Warner and MSG acknowledged the help of Cuomo, Stern and New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman in bringing about what was called a verbal tentative agreement.

“I was close to threatening to bring them to Albany and put them in the Red Room,” Cuomo joked, alluding to the executive chamber in the Capitol.
However, Postup Prince stated the words I agree with " CHRISTINE QUINN FOR MAYOR OF NEW YORK!" She's got both our votes.

TAZMAN departs The Knicks with class as in the Tweet below:

R_Balkman32New york was great love da big apple #imout
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We wish you well TAZ. Everyone knows MDA never gave you a chance. Everyone knows Mike Bibby should have been cut.
Be that it may, I hope you don't come back to haunt us like ARIZA.  

Now it is time to move on. Welcome JR Smith. Lets look forward to Melo coming back along with Barron Davis and
the addition of JR Smith. Last nights loss was so predictable... and that ERA is over. Soon the MDA ERA will be over.
LETS GO KNICKS