ESPN APOLOGIZES FOR JEREMY LIN "CHINK IN THE ARMOR" HEADLINE

"Chink in the Armor" Headline on ESPN's Mobile Website

This really is an important reminder why it is important to remain sober on the job, not that I'm saying that the person who drafted this Post for ESPN was under-the-influence. No, not at all. No self-respecting Journalist in their right mind however, would exercise such poor judgment. Racism is Racism ...and there is no excuse for that.  And I say this without sounding like an annoying Asian-American Activist.  The type Chelsea Handler would make fun of in her Comedy Routine.

Spotted on ESPN's Mobile Website at 2:30 AM last night was this update about the New York Knicks' loss to the New Orleans Hornets: "Chink in the Armor", citing further that the loss was a result of Jeremy Lin's (spotted in Toronto earlier this week) turning the ball over a total nine times. After being flagged right away, the Headline was yanked shortly after 3:00 AM.

ESPN since has apologized, stating "We are conducting a complete review of our cross-platform editorial procedures and are determining appropriate disciplinary action to ensure this does not happen again. We regret and apologize for this mistake.". Yes, their "mistake" of hiring an ignorant Fool.

(Photo credit: ESPN)

"LINSANITY" FOR JEREMY LIN SPREADS TO TORONTO

Jeremy Lin & Mr. Will-W. - February 2012

In-town for a game against the Toronto Raptors, there is no name hotter in the NBA right this moment than the New York Knicks' Jeremy Lin. Getting to meet the 23-year-old in-person holds great significance to me, as he is the first-ever American NBA Player to be of Chinese descent. Myself being a Chinese person raised aboard and having lived the immigrant experience, can appreciate the subtleties of overcoming unsaid obstacles and Lin gives me reason to cheer. The Harvard Graduate who despite remaining undrafted out of College, eventually he struck a deal with the Golden State Warriors.  

After a bit of a shuffle, Lin subsequently was claimed off waivers by the New York Knicks late December 2011.  Originally, he was intended primarily as a Backup on the Team. He has however, gone on quickly to exceed all expectations, playing a pivotal role in the Knicks' current five-game winning streak, placing them in-contention for a play-off spot in the Eastern Conference.  

On February 10, 2012, Lin wowed the World, scoring a new career-high of 38 points with seven assists, acting as a main catalyst to the Knicks' win over the Los Angeles Lakers.  To put this into perspective further, he outshone seasoned (and controversial) Veteran Kobe Bryant, who managed to score 34 points that night.  Some predicted Lin's success; many were surprised.  All however can agree that Linsanity is at an all-time high, with all eyes on the 6'3 Chinese-American from Palo Alto, California and the Asian Community couldn't be more proud.

Although most of his other Teammates paid little mind to Fans waiting in the freezing cold outside their luxury Hotel, Lin enforced strictly a one-Autograph-per-person rule, still taking a minute to show his appreciation.  After a bit of gentle coaxing, I managed even to convince him to pose for a quick Snap and for that I am appreciative, knowing now the difference between approaching a Basketball Player and a Movie Star.  It's rather different.   

Upon performing a quick market value check on Lin's Autograph afterward, I see some retailers pricing it upwards of $400 US, explaining Lin's weariness towards being overly-generous. 

Lin is on Twitter. Join-in on the Linsanity here.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)