Glenn Beck Defends ESPN Anchor Max Bretos For Using 'Chink In The Armor' Line

Glenn Beck defended the suspended ESPN anchor who used an offensive phrase while reporting on Knicks breakout star, Jeremy Lin.

On Friday, ESPN's mobile site used the headline "Chink In the Armor" for a story about the Knicks' first loss since Lin helped deliver seven straight victories. The use of the word "chink" -- which is a slur against Asian-Americans -- drew swift condemnation. The writer was fired. Anchor Max Bretos was also suspended for using the phrase "chink in the armor" on-air.

Beck criticized ESPN's response on Tuesday. He questioned whether Bretos' use of the phrase warranted the network's reaction. Beck said that the anchor, who he pointed out is married to an Asian, had used the line "in proper context" without intending to offend anyone. "How is this racist?" he asked, before replaying a clip of the audio.

He said that ESPN "wears panties," and directed the network to "man up." He also criticized ESPN's owner Disney for the decision. "It's not about the sports network," Beck said. "It's about the ownership. This is about Disney/ABC."

He cited Hank Williams Jr. and Rush Limbaugh as two examples of people who were fired for what he referred to as "political reasons." ESPN terminated its relationship with Williams last year. Limbaugh resigned in 2003 after making race-related comments about football player Donovan McNabb.

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Comments

[dvmweb1984]

09:44 PM on 02/27/2012

He would wouldn't he? Fortunately, not many pay much attention to him anymore.

[omegapoint]

01:06 PM on 02/26/2012

Being offensive is how some people got rich. Helluva way to "earn" a living. Pandering excommunique still barking at p/u trucks from his little corner at the tactless end of the Free Speech spectrum. ..........woof!

[Rex Hungus]

03:33 PM on 02/25/2012

I can't take people like Rush or Glenn seriously. These guys make money off of spinning the news, some of the stuff they say/defend is so off the wall that any normal rational person couldn't take it seriously and would write it off as a joke. A front page article could talk about how a Republican got caught with underage boys and they would defend the perp.Problem is people take what they say to heart and want more, now that's sad.

[andrc657]

03:05 PM on 02/24/2012

Most people don't pay much attention to Glenn Beck.

[Clevelandinwi]

02:05 PM on 02/24/2012

The bekster couldn't defend oatmeal.

[BlueFloyd]

07:42 AM on 02/24/2012

So, a slur is made, a guy loses his job, and Beck makes money off of it. Nothing new here.

[Mark Mabry]

04:52 PM on 02/24/2012

I'm sure Beck really cashed in on the defense. Smart BlueFloyd.

[bart4u]

02:13 AM on 02/24/2012

Glen the word mocks Asians and should not be used like the N word but this loose nut has no concept of the meaning of words describing other races or religions.

[holyghostie]

10:14 PM on 02/23/2012

Beck probably ordered the #17 with brown sauce on the side.

[jaxstl]

06:56 PM on 02/23/2012

I am married to an Asian person I still no better than to use things we may consider jokes between us in front of his family, let alone making them a head line about another Asian I don't know. Geez Glen don't you get it, even in the law intent doesn't matter, just the result. Asians were offended and that would cost ESPN viewers, same reason you got canned at FOX, you were costing Rupert money. If nothing else I would fire him for not having good sense.

[Grumpy Old Dude]

06:36 PM on 02/23/2012

If Beck is defending you...there is a better than even chance you are guiIty of whatever the accusation is!

[William Hunter Duncan]

05:24 PM on 02/23/2012

I suspect Glenn doesn't have much of a problem using racial slurs.

www.offthegridmpls.blogspot.com

[hoperequired]

04:47 PM on 02/23/2012

This was totally absurd. Chink in the armor is an actual term that has been used for many years and has nothing to do with race. Look up "chink" if you don't know what the word means. It's in the dictionary. To be fired for using it is rediculous. Beck is right.

[TonyLA]

11:39 PM on 02/23/2012

Of course it's an actual term. So is "Calling a spade a spade" But don't you think if someone used this latter expression they would be in the wrong? Beck..and you..are wrong

[Rex Hungus]

03:38 PM on 02/25/2012

I agree. Come on unless you're brain dead using "chink in the armor" when referring to an Asian is going to be taken as offensive. Why not use "crack in the armor"? There are millions of saying that could have been used, to pick that one is dumb.

[montanasian]

12:57 AM on 02/24/2012

Yes I did look up the word and with many words there is many and various definitions. One happens to mean narrow slit and derived from china thus the slang term to mean chinese and over time has been interpreted in a disparaging capacity. Now, if you want to be selective in your semantics fine, but at least be acurate.
As for being fired, "ridiculous"!, he apologized, move on.

[AngledUpInBlue]

04:09 PM on 02/23/2012

You know the ESPN anchor did something bad if Beck comes to his defense.

[fredpa]

05:42 PM on 02/23/2012

good pic

[AngledUpInBlue]

06:30 PM on 02/23/2012

Thanks

[BBowyer]

03:23 PM on 02/23/2012

If you watch the clip you can tell the anchor used it in proper context and without any intent of causing harm or humor. The fact he was suspended is rediculous.

[spc5]

02:42 PM on 02/23/2012

Beck.......The Fly in the Ointment.

[Raymond Soltysek]

04:49 AM on 02/24/2012

Perhaps even the Whitefly in the ointment - I bet he'd have something to say about THAT...