Yes, an ESPN TV Anchor Used “Chink in His Armor” When Talking About Jeremy Lin Earlier This Week [UPDATE: Max Bretos Suspended]

All, ESPN, Video Jason McIntyre February 19th. 2012, 11:10am

Whoops. [via Everyone on the Internet]

[UPDATE: ESPN just announced that Max Bretos has been suspended for one month.]

Previously: ESPN’s Insensitive Jeremy Lin Headline: “Chink in the Armor” [Update: ESPN Apologizes]

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55 Responses to “Yes, an ESPN TV Anchor Used “Chink in His Armor” When Talking About Jeremy Lin Earlier This Week [UPDATE: Max Bretos Suspended]”

1
Black Douglas Says:
February 18th, 2012 at 1:02 PM
Is this really something to get this bent out of shape about. Who is really offended by this?
2
ButtersBC Says:
February 18th, 2012 at 1:13 PM
“Kung Fu grip”
/Never forget
3
coop247 Says:
February 18th, 2012 at 1:16 PM
ESPN really needs to nip this in the bud.
I demand that every common saying be deconstructed word by word to ensure they don’t contain any word or phrase that could possibly be offensive in a completely different context.
4
stynga Says:
February 18th, 2012 at 1:25 PM
not a story. sad that this takes the place of analysis.
5
payaso Says:
February 18th, 2012 at 1:28 PM
“Kung Fu grip”
/Never forget
ESPN employees should know better. Gannett employees don’t have the same (any?) standards.
6
oskie Says:
February 18th, 2012 at 1:33 PM
i don’t think the anchor was trying to be creative and/or racist. i think that was just coincidence. the headline was purposeful, as everyone has been coming up with annoying headlines all week.
7
VladimirCrouton Says:
February 18th, 2012 at 1:36 PM
I tried trading Jeremy Lin for either Wade or Parker. I was turned down. WHAT.THE.FUCK!?
8
rodmansrage Says:
February 18th, 2012 at 2:47 PM
“and lebron james shucks and jives his way to the line”
9
jthussler Says:
February 18th, 2012 at 4:09 PM
Kung Fu Grip vs. Chink in the Armor should be in next year’s “culture” (shudders) bracket.
10
Benjamin Franklin Rodriguez has the highest WAR evah! Says:
February 18th, 2012 at 5:36 PM
Nothing gets the page clicks like ESPN outrage!!
//TBL
11
Jason McIntyre Says:
February 19th, 2012 at 11:24 AM
Nothing gets the page clicks like ESPN outrage!!
The “page clicks” meme, which is used so frequently (and poorly) here, is played out. I guess you’re right, Ben – ESPN anchor suspended 30 days, probably not worth a post.
We should let you run this joint! Shoot me an email and I’ll tell the USA Today big dogs that you’ve got the formula for success.
12
Some Random Old Dude Says:
February 19th, 2012 at 11:29 AM
Lurking today, waiting for “pitchers and catchers report” stories, and I saw this.
Ya know what, Jason? Let’s do this. Let some of us “run the joint” for charity.
Those of us interested can give some bucks to a charity you and your staff designate. We can have some fun, learn just how hard it can be to run a site like this, and contribute to a good cause.
In addition, we can see what it feels like to take pot shots from the commentariat.
Thoughts?
13
MeandWillieMcGee Says:
February 19th, 2012 at 11:30 AM
This is complete and unadulterated B.S.
14
TexansFan Says:
February 19th, 2012 at 11:31 AM
LOL
15
Jason McIntyre Says:
February 19th, 2012 at 11:33 AM
Ya know what, Jason? Let’s do this. Let some of us “run the joint” for charity.
Those of us interested can give some bucks to a charity you and your staff designate. We can have some fun, learn just how hard it can be to run a site like this, and contribute to a good cause.
In addition, we can see what it feels like to take pot shots from the commentariat.
Thoughts?
Three years ago, before I sold the site, there was a slim chance this could have happened for an afternoon. It actually was run by a bunch of random dudes back in … 2007? when I got married and was gone for two weeks.
Now? Zero shot. That said, you guys have a voice not only on the comments, but in emails, too. Plenty of folks submit great links/videos and they get posted. But you know how it works – those who complain the most never submit anything.
16
Some Random Old Dude Says:
February 19th, 2012 at 11:39 AM
Now? Zero shot.
Understood. I know you’ve hit me back on a couple of e-mails. I appreciate it.
Yeah, you’re right. We do have a voice. Actually, I am impressed you and the guys don’t fire back on us in the threads more. We can be kinda unruly.
Some of the stuff written here, I look at and wonder if you guys are steaming mad. I know I would be a bit pissed at some of the potshots. Guess that is why I don’t run my own blog (LOL).
You guys do well as ringmasters of this circus.
17
MeandWillieMcGee Says:
February 19th, 2012 at 11:40 AM
This is a rare case when “I’m sorry if anyone was offended” is actually the most appropriate apology. Bretos did nothing wrong, other than have poor timing. 30 days for that? Ridiculous.
18
Some Random Old Dude Says:
February 19th, 2012 at 11:48 AM
Somebody touched on it earlier in the weekend. If it was directed to someone of a different race, the outrage would be more pronounced.
In a larger sense, are we as a society too easily offended? Are there cases where correction is truly appropriate? Was there malice intended?
I have opinions, and this isn’t the forum for my long-windedness, but this looks like a different case than what we usually think when someone shouts “racism!”
19
FredSanford Says:
February 19th, 2012 at 11:54 AM
I’m a violator of the page view meme.
/Shows self the door.
20
Jason McIntyre Says:
February 19th, 2012 at 11:56 AM
Fred – When we do slideshows, then feel free to hammer away. Everyone else does. We do not. But yes, eventually we will.
21
FredSanford Says:
February 19th, 2012 at 12:01 PM
Only meant as a joke which does not translate well in the comments.
I’m certainly not bitching about the free entertainment for the last 6+ years.
Waiting for the slideshows.
22
countolaf Says:
February 19th, 2012 at 12:14 PM
Genius move by ESPN to suspend a guy for using a common expression.
When comparing Lin to a black player, please don’t say “He doesn’t measure up.” Prediction: next suspension will be because of a Small Cock Pun. Amazing to see nothing happened to Whitlock in this age of Political Correctness gone a muck. But he’s not in the stable of ESPN’s Whores so I guess no one really cared.
Someone should start a thread where you get all the “Racist” headlines out of the way, already.
23
cracker jack Says:
February 19th, 2012 at 12:24 PM
This is the guy with the Asian wife right?
24
cracker jack Says:
February 19th, 2012 at 12:26 PM
Fred – When we do slideshows, then feel free to hammer away. Everyone else does. We do not. But yes, eventually we will.
What the fuck? ‘We don’t do this, we’re better than that… Oh yeah, but eventually, we will.’
25
ou812jay8 Says:
February 19th, 2012 at 12:36 PM
Unbelievable. ESPN suspended a guy for using a common phrase? Talk about PC BS.
26
Jason McIntyre Says:
February 19th, 2012 at 12:37 PM
This is the guy with the Asian wife right?
Yes.
27
jthussler Says:
February 19th, 2012 at 12:43 PM
JMac -
How many more degrees of offensive is “Chink in the Armor” compared to “Kung Fu Grip”? Just curious.
28
Chief Says:
February 19th, 2012 at 12:58 PM
How many more degrees of offensive is “Chink in the Armor” compared to “Kung Fu Grip”? Just curious.
You people and your played out memes.
29
jthussler Says:
February 19th, 2012 at 1:03 PM
You people and your played out memes.
Agree completely.
30
vezina Says:
February 19th, 2012 at 2:15 PM
chink is way way way more offensive than kung fu grip. chink is not a common phrase, it’s a common insult. kung fu grip? fuck, GI Joe had it and it was advertised as such. it’s the name of a martial art, not an epithet directe toward people of a certain race
31
jthussler Says:
February 19th, 2012 at 3:05 PM
chink is way way way more offensive than kung fu grip. chink is not a common phrase, it’s a common insult. kung fu grip? fuck, GI Joe had it and it was advertised as such. it’s the name of a martial art, not an epithet directe toward people of a certain race
No kidding, I was being sarcastic. Mostly trying to point out the fact that all this outrage about subtle racism surrounding Linsanity, and this site fell victim to it as well with that Kung Fu grip comment. Easy to overlook though from the high horse, you know?
32
Jim Harbaugh Scramble Says:
February 19th, 2012 at 3:11 PM
which is used so frequently (and poorly) here, is played out.
a meme is NEVER played out. never.
We should let you run this joint! Shoot me an email and I’ll tell the USA Today big dogs that you’ve got the formula for success.
this was fucking hilarious though. best TBL comment since “agree completely”
33
vezina Says:
February 19th, 2012 at 3:11 PM
wel, i hadn’t seen anything offensive up to this point, just tired bad puns. however, tell me if i’m wrong, i did see in a highlights montage Lin bowing with his hands together, like the stereotypical polite bow we associate with japan/china. if he’s doing that, all is fair game except actual insults like chink
sorry i missed the sarcasm jt
34
Jim Harbaugh Scramble Says:
February 19th, 2012 at 3:14 PM
But you know how it works – those who complain the most never submit anything.
hey now. I have emailed at least three times.
35
vezina Says:
February 19th, 2012 at 3:16 PM
with complaints
/boom!
36
roger from oz Says:
February 19th, 2012 at 5:43 PM
Max is suspended for a slip of the tongue but office blowjobs happen and no one says a word. espn is a weird place.
37
lakersbball Says:
February 19th, 2012 at 6:44 PM
How can people not see how this can offend Asians? The word ‘chink’ is a hugely offensive word to Asians. It’s like saying “Shumpert’s passing was niggardly.” You think that would have made it to the front page of ESPN? I doubt it. Same thing with the ‘chink’ comment. It was inappropriate and whoever wrote it probably thought it was funny. Sorry, not buying the ignorance excuse.
38
Benjamin Franklin Rodriguez has the highest WAR evah! Says:
February 19th, 2012 at 7:24 PM
The “page clicks” meme, which is used so frequently (and poorly) here, is played out. I guess you’re right, Ben – ESPN anchor suspended 30 days, probably not worth a post.
Oh snap, I got served. An anchor was suspended for using what, I guess until the last day or so, has always been an innocuous phrase used in and out of the realm of the sports world. If a Greek athlete comes out of nowhere, an ESPN anchor better not refer to an inquiry about that player’s weakness as his achillies heel. Maybe you can post another strong media story such as a picture of Berman’s daughter as the subject of a thread.
We should let you run this joint! Shoot me an email and I’ll tell the USA Today big dogs that you’ve got the formula for success.
USA Today has already sealed the deal, so obviously the formula in place is working. Keep up the good work.
39
agoodfella Says:
February 19th, 2012 at 8:28 PM
As an Asian-American who grew up hearing words like “chink” and “slant-eye” — and even as a starting free safety of a HS championship team — this headline is deeply offensive to me. And no I’m not the kind of person that gets my panties in a twist over every little thing, but this is different. This is coming from THE leading sports / media franchise in the country. This legitimizes racist remarks against Asians. That its ok to go after Asians. After all, we no one gives a shit. What are “they” going to do about it?
Stop for a moment and think. Do you think they would have published or repeated an offensive phrase that contained “N*gger in the Armor” or “Sp*c in the Armor” or “F*ggot in the Armor” or “K*ke in the Armor” if such slurs existed? No they wouldn’t. No they don’t. But “chink”? Yeah, go for it.
Fuck no. And fuck you ESPN. Just cancelled my Insider subscription.
The first comment on this thread asked:
Who is really offended by this?
Me. and an army of Asian Americans (and frankly, any human being who has any decency) who are sick and tired of the assumption that we will sit back and get punched in the face. Fuck all that. Those are fighting words. Get ready to back them up.
40
oskie Says:
February 19th, 2012 at 8:44 PM
so…you’re not a fan of the headline, eh?
41
agoodfella Says:
February 19th, 2012 at 8:57 PM
so…you’re not a fan of the headline, eh?
Frankly, anyone who is a “fan” of this headline is either ignorant or a racist. If any ethnic slur is offensive to you, then this should be as well. Why is it that the “N” word is outrageously offensive, but chink can get casually tossed around and even used by a leading national outlet? This is lack of awareness. Perhaps people just don’t know that this is extremely offensive.
This is an education / awareness issue more than anything else. The reason that the “N” word is understood to be offensive is because of education and awareness (not to mention something in the 60s called the civil rights movement). Now that doesn’t mean that those kinds of words don’t get used behind closed doors, I’m sure that they still do.
But you certainly aren’t going to click onto ESPN and read the headline “N”-s win the Title!
Awareness. That’s what this is about. And yes, I’m not a fan of the headline.
42
oskie Says:
February 19th, 2012 at 9:08 PM
and i am pretty sure darrell won this thread. if we are keeping tabs on that.
43
NRedacted Says:
February 19th, 2012 at 9:11 PM
In other news, the WBC blackballed Floyd Maywea…. oops I’m fired.
44
Mantis Toboggan Says:
February 19th, 2012 at 9:24 PM
Just cancelled my Insider subscription.
I find having an Insider account from the get go offensive.
45
ButtersBC Says:
February 19th, 2012 at 9:41 PM
If Darrell ran things around here there’d be nothing but Knicks posts
Oh, just realized that wouldn’t be much different from the current reality…Darrell in 2012!
46
Benjamin Franklin Rodriguez has the highest WAR evah! Says:
February 19th, 2012 at 10:23 PM
If Darrell ran things around here there’d be nothing but Knicks posts
Don’t forget the quarterly posts on how Emmitt was better than Barry based strictly on eye ball evidence!
47
jameshenderson195 Says:
February 19th, 2012 at 10:23 PM
Latest espn.com headline on Lin’s pay: “Lin’s Niggardly Salary A Bargain for Dolan”
48
MeandWillieMcGee Says:
February 19th, 2012 at 10:25 PM
@agoodfella
1. The word “chink” as Max Bretos used it–and certainly intended it–has been around before Europeans even knew there was a China.
2. There is a difference between racism and carelessness. At worst, Bretos was careless.
3. Your avatar is the Washington Redskins logo. That’s some “10,000 spoons” s***.
49
wr3zzz Says:
February 19th, 2012 at 10:31 PM
Steve Kerr called Yao Ming ‘chinaman’ on air several years ago and TNT successfully swept it under the rug so I guess this is progress for us Chinese-American.
ESPN/Bristol : TNT/Atlanta -> North >> South?
50
moka Says:
February 19th, 2012 at 11:05 PM
agoodfella Says:
February 19th, 2012 at 8:28 PM
As an Asian-American who grew up hearing words like “chink” and “slant-eye” — and even as a starting free safety of a HS championship team — this headline is deeply offensive to me. And no I’m not the kind of person that gets my panties in a twist over every little thing, but this is different. This is coming from THE leading sports / media franchise in the country. This legitimizes racist remarks against Asians. That its ok to go after Asians. After all, we no one gives a shit. What are “they” going to do about it?
Stop for a moment and think. Do you think they would have published or repeated an offensive phrase that contained “N*gger in the Armor” or “Sp*c in the Armor” or “F*ggot in the Armor” or “K*ke in the Armor” if such slurs existed? No they wouldn’t. No they don’t. But “chink”? Yeah, go for it.
Fuck no. And fuck you ESPN. Just cancelled my Insider subscription.
The first comment on this thread asked:
Who is really offended by this?
Me. and an army of Asian Americans (and frankly, any human being who has any decency) who are sick and tired of the assumption that we will sit back and get punched in the face. Fuck all that. Those are fighting words. Get ready to back them up.
Your fucking avatar is a Redskins logo.
51
ButtersBC Says:
February 19th, 2012 at 11:18 PM
Don’t forget the quarterly posts on how Emmitt was better than Barry based strictly on eye ball evidence!
I’m already liking the new administration already, Emmitt > Barry
Your fucking avatar is a Redskins logo.
Amazing, upset I didn’t make this connection earlier…well played
52
agoodfella Says:
February 20th, 2012 at 12:30 AM
Your fucking avatar is a Redskins logo
I am well versed on the controversy of the Redskins logo. As it stands today, this is the official logo of the franchise — if I were the owner, I would change it — I am partial to the “R” logo on gold background myself or even the arrowhead logo.
But I’m not the owner.
53
agoodfella Says:
February 20th, 2012 at 12:43 AM
^ Changed my avatar. If the official logo offended any Native American Indians, I fully own up to that.
54
agoodfella Says:
February 20th, 2012 at 12:43 AM
… guess, it will take a while for it to show…
55
agoodfella Says:
February 20th, 2012 at 12:46 AM
done.