After being fired by ESPN for penning a racist headline highlighting Jeremy Lin's shortcomings—"Chink In The Armor"— for the Knicks' loss against the Hornets, the wordsmith spoke out. Anthony Federico spoke to the Daily News, "This had nothing to do with me being cute or punny. I'm so sorry that I offended people. I'm so sorry if I offended Jeremy."
Federico also said, "ESPN did what they had to do," but he emphasized that he meant no ill will, explaining that he allegedly used the phrase "at least 100 times." (Fun fact: ESPN.com's search won't let you search for the phrase—it turns up a 404 error!) The 28-year-old also described himself as an "outspoken Christian... My faith is my life. I'd love to tell Jeremy what happened and explain that this was an honest mistake."
Besides Federico's firing, ESPN suspended anchor Max Bretos for using the phrase when asking Walt Frazier about Lin's weaknesses ("If there is a chink in the armor, where can he improve his game?"). Bretos said on Twitter, "Wanted 2 apologize 2 all those I have upset. Not done with any racial reference. Despite intention,phrase was inappropriate in this context...My wife is Asian, would never intentionally say anything to disrespect her and that community."
Lin himself said of the controversy, "They've apologized, and so from my end, I don't care anymore. You have to learn to forgive, and I don't even think that was intentional." The streaking player is no stranger to hearing racial taunts during games.
