Jeremy Lin Meets Ex-ESPN Editor Fired Over Racist Headline

While the news will hardly surprise his fans around the world, Jeremy Lin is apparently a very forgiving guy.

According to Newsday, the Knicks' sensation met with the former ESPN editor who was fired last month for publishing an offensive headline referencing Lin's Asian-American ethnicity.

"The fact that he took the time to meet with me in his insanely busy schedule . . . He's just a wonderful, humble person," Anthony Federico, the ex-ESPN editor who ran the headline, told Newsday, adding that their conversation pertained mostly to ideas of reconciliation their shared faith.

Federico found himself at the center of a controversy several hours after the Knicks' first loss since the start of Linsanity (to the New Orleans Hornets on Feb. 17). After Lin struggled during the game, committing nine turnovers, ESPN promoted an article about the game with the headline "Chink In The Armor." The headline, only seen via mobile platforms, was changed after 35 minutes but not before it had been widely captured via Twitpics and Instagrams.

Facing widespread public criticism, ESPN issued an apology and announced the firing of the editor responsible, Federico.

Federico, spoke with The Daily News shortly after being axed by ESPN and claimed that his use of the cliche was an "honest mistake."

"This had nothing to do with me being cute or punny," Federico told the News at the time. "I'm so sorry that I offended people. I'm so sorry if I offended Jeremy."

For his part, Lin seemed willing to accept the ESPN apology and perhaps even believe Federico's claim that the headline was not intended to be racist.

“ESPN has apologized,” Lin said after the Knicks' next game, a win over the Dallas Mavericks. “I don’t think it was on purpose or whatever. At the same time, 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, or hopefully not."

After losing his job, Federico issued a long apology via Twitter, insisting that his mistake had been honest and referring to the Christian faith he shared with Lin. At the end of his apology, he included his email address. According to Federico, by way of Newsday, a member of Lin's family reached out via email to arrange a time for the pair to have lunch.

Although the resignation of head coach Mike D'Antoni and a recent knee injury have dimmed the spotlight on Lin, his classy move to meet with Federico is earning him plaudits nearly as glowing as those he previously garnered with his play.

@BonnieBernstein
Bonnie Bernstein

How much of a class act is #Knicks Jeremy Lin? He had lunch w the headline writer fired from ESPN: http://t.co/oS6xmnDV

March 28, 2012 4:05 pm via TweetDeck Reply Retweet Favorite

@boyreporter
Ron Nurwisah

Man, Jeremy Lin. This is classy. NBA Star meets with ESPN editor fired over headline http://t.co/vukaLOnD

March 28, 2012 1:41 pm via TweetDeck Reply Retweet Favorite

@robneyer
robneyer

Another reason to love Jeremy Lin: http://t.co/NzOjTkAO

March 28, 2012 5:08 pm via web Reply Retweet Favorite

PHOTOS: Linsanity Through The Years

Loading Slideshow

• Palo Alto guard Jeremy Lin, center, celebrates with teammates Steven Brown, left, Cooper Miller, and Brian Karvaries, right, after Palo Alto beat Mater Dei of Santa Ana in the boys' Division II CIF state basketball championship game in Sacramento, Calif., on Friday, March 17, 2006. Palo Alto won 51-47. (AP Photo/Steve Yeater)

• Mater Dei of Santa Ana's Kamyron Brown, center, tries to drive between Palo Alto's Jeremy Lin, left, and Kheaton Scott during the third quarter of the boys' Division II CIF state basketball championship game in Sacramento, Calif., Friday, March 17, 2006. Palo Alto defeated Mater Dei 51-47. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)

• Palo Alto guard Jeremy Lin, right, runs into Mater Dei of Santa Ana defender Alex Jacobson while driving to the basket during the second half of the boys' Division II CIF state basketball championship game in Sacramento, Calif., on Friday, March 17, 2006. Palo Alto won 51-47. (AP Photo/Steve Yeater)

• Stanford's Anthony Goods (4) drives against Harvard's Jeremy Lin in the first half of a basketball game Friday, Nov. 9, 2007, in Stanford, Calif. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)

• UC Santa Barbara's Alex Harris (12) drives against Harvard's Jeremy Lin (11) in the first half of a basketball game Saturday, Nov. 10, 2007, in Stanford, Calif. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)

• Harvard's Jeremy Lin (11) keeps the ball away from Michigan's Manny Harris (3) in the second half of a basketball game Saturday, Dec. 1, 2007, in Boston. Harvard won 62-51. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

• Harvard's Jeremy Lin, left, takes a shot against Michigan's DeShawn Sims (34) in the second half of a basketball game, Saturday, Dec. 1, 2007, in Boston. Harvard won 62-51. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

• In this Jan. 7, 2009, file photo, Harvard's Jeremy Lin (4) drives for the basket in front of Boston College's Rakim Sanders during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Boston.

• Harvard's Jeremy Lin, left, drives past Connecticut's Gavin Edwards during the second half of Connecticut's 79-73 victory in their NCAA college basketball game in Storrs, Conn., on Sunday, Dec. 6, 2009. Lin scored a game-high 30 points with nine rebounds and Edwards scored 12 points with five rebounds. (AP Photo/Fred Beckham)

• Connecticut's Jerome Dyson, right, has his shot blocked by Harvard's Jeremy Lin during the second half of Connecticut's 79-73 victory in their NCAA college basketball game in Storrs, Conn., on Sunday, Dec. 6, 2009. Lin scored a game-high 30 points with nine rebound and Dyson scored a team-high 24 points with 14 rebounds. (AP Photo/Fred Beckham)

• In this Dec. 9, 2009, file photo, Harvard's Jeremy Lin (4) drives by Boston College's Biko Paris, left, during the first half of an NCAA basketball game in Boston.

• Harvard's Jeremy Lin, right, dives for the ball as Boston College's Corey Raji (11) tries to control it during the second half of an NCAA basketball game in Boston, Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2009. Harvard won 74-67. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

• Georgetown's Austin Freeman (15) shoots the ball against Harvard's Jeremy Lin (4) and Christian Webster (1) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2009, in Washington. Georgetown won 86-70.(AP Photo/Nick Wass)

• Georgetown's Chris Wright, left, battles for the ball with Harvard's Jeremy Lin, right, during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2009, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

• Harvard's Jeremy Lin (4) goes to the basket as Georgetown's Greg Monroe (10) defends during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2009, in Washington.

• Dallas Mavericks' Jeremy Lin wipes his face during an NBA Summer League basketball game against Milwaukee Bucks' in Las Vegas on Monday, July 12, 2010.

• Dallas Mavericks' Jeremy Lin, shoots a free throw during an NBA Summer League basketball game against the Milwaukee Bucks in Las Vegas on Monday, July 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Laura Rauch)

• Dallas Mavericks' Jeremy Lin tries to shoot over Milwaukee Bucks' Dominic James as Milwaukee's DeMarcus Nelson, left, looks on during an NBA summer league basketball game in Las Vegas on Monday, July 12, 2010.

• New Golden State Warriors guard Jeremy Lin poses with his parents, Gie-ming, right, and Shirley, left, during a news conference at the NBA basketball team's headquarters in Oakland, Calif., Wednesday, July 21, 2010. Lin was an undrafted free agent from Harvard, and is a Bay Area native.

• New Golden State Warriors guard Jeremy Lin spins a basketball during a news conference at the NBA basketball team's headquarters in Oakland, Calif., Wednesday, July 21, 2010. Lin was an undrafted free agent from Harvard.

• NBA player of the Golden State Warriors, Jeremy Lin spins a basket ball during a press conference, Wednesday, July 28, 2010, in Taipei, Taiwan.

• Golden State Warriors' Reggie Williams, left, interviews teammate Jeremy Lin during the NBA basketball team's media day in Oakland, Calif., Monday, Sept. 27, 2010.

• Golden State Warriors' Jeremy Lin, left, looks to pass away from Portland Trail Blazers' Raymond Sykes (25) during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game Monday, Oct. 18, 2010, in Oakland, Calif.

• Golden State Warriors point guard Jeremy Lin (7) against the Los Angeles Clippers in an NBA basketball game in Oakland, Calif., Friday, Oct. 29, 2010. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

• Golden State Warriors center David Lee (10), right, jokes with point guard Jeremy Lin (7) as Lin replaces Lee in the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Clippers in Oakland, Calif., Friday, Oct. 29, 2010.

• Los Angeles Lakers power forward Lamar Odom (7) left, and Golden State Warriors point guard Jeremy Lin (7) battle for the ball during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Los Angeles , Sunday, October 31, 2010. The Lakers won 107 to 83.

• Denver Nuggets point guard Anthony Carter (25) guards Golden State Warriors point guard Jeremy Lin (7) in the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game in Oakland, Calif., Monday, Nov. 22, 2010. Denver Nuggets defeated the Golden State Warriors 106-89.

• Golden State Warriors point guard Jeremy Lin (7) watches the Warriors lose to the Denver Nuggets in an NBA basketball game in Oakland, Calif., Monday, Nov. 22, 2010. Denver Nuggets defeated the Golden State Warriors 106-89.

• Golden State Warriors point guard Jeremy Lin (7) against the Sacramento Kings in an NBA basketball game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, April 10, 2011. The Kings won 104-103.

• Golden State Warriors point guard Jeremy Lin against the Denver Nuggets in an NBA basketball game in Oakland, Calif., Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2011.

• Jerry West, right, shakes hands with Golden State Warriors guard Jeremy Lin, left, as Warriors center Ekpe Udoh looks on, before being introduced as a new member of the basketball club's Executive Board, in San Francisco, Tuesday, May 24, 2011. West, 72, will assist the Warriors' ownership group and represent the organization in a wide variety of team-related functions in his role with the club. The position will encompass various areas and responsibilities, ranging from basketball operations to business, sponsorship and marketing endeavors.

• Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry, center, has the ball stripped by Jeremy Lin, left, and David Lee during a voluntary basketball practice session, Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2011, in Oakland, Calif.

• Houston Rockets Media Day

  Houston Rockets' Jeremy Lin during their NBA basketball media day Thursday, Dec. 15, 2011, in Houston.

• Houston Rockets' Courtney Lee (5) blocks a pass from New York Knicks' Jeremy Lin (17) in the second half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Jan. 28, 2012, in Houston.

• Detroit Pistons forward Austin Daye (5) defends against New York Knicks guard Jeremy Lin (17) who looks to pass in the second half of their NBA basketball game at Madison Square Garden in New York, Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2012.

• New Jersey Nets' Deron Williams, right, drives to the basket against New York Knicks' Jeremy Lin during the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Feb. 4, 2012, at Madison Square Garden in New York.

• New York Knicks' Jeremy Lin, left, looks to pass the ball as he is guarded by New Jersey Nets' Deron Williams during the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Feb. 4, 2012, at Madison Square Garden in New York.

• New York Knicks' Jeremy Lin takes a shot during the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game against the New Jersey Nets Saturday, Feb. 4, 2012, at Madison Square Garden in New York.

• New Jersey Nets' Jordan Williams (20) avoids foulingNew York Knicks' Jeremy Lin during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Feb. 4, 2012, at Madison Square Garden in New York.

• New York Knicks' Jeremy Lin drives to the basket during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game New Jersey Nets Saturday, Feb. 4, 2012, at Madison Square Garden in New York.

• New York Knicks guard Jeremy Lin reacts after hitting a basket during the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game against the New Jersey Nets, Saturday, Feb. 4, 2012, at Madison Square Garden in New York. Lin led all scorers with 25 points as the Knicks defeated the Nets 99-92.

• New York Knicks' point guard Jeremy Lin (17) shoots over Utah Jazz's power forward Paul Millsap (24) during an NBA basketball game on Monday, Feb. 6, 2012, in New York.

• New York Knicks' point guard Jeremy Lin (17) drives the ball against Utah Jazz's point guard Earl Watson (11) during an NBA basketball game on Monday, Feb. 6, 2012, in New York.

• New York Knicks' point guard Jeremy Lin (17) leaves the court with teammates after the Knicks defeated the Utah Jazz 99-88 in an NBA basketball game against the Utah Jazz on Monday, Feb. 6, 2012, in New York.

• New York Knicks v Washington Wizards

  WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 08: Jeremy Lin #17 of the New York Knicks warms up before the start of the Knicks and Washington Wizards game at Verizon Center on February 8, 2012 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

• New York Knicks v Washington Wizards

  WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 08: Fans of Jeremy Lin #17 of the New York Knicks hold up signs during the second half of the Knicks and Washington Wizards game at Verizon Center on February 8, 2012 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

• New York Knicks v Washington Wizards

  WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 08: Jeremy Lin #17 of the New York Knicks drives to the basket against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Verizon Center on February 8, 2012 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

• New York Knicks v Washington Wizards

  WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 08: Jeremy Lin #17 of the New York Knicks works the ball against John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards at Verizon Center on February 8, 2012 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

• New York Knicks v Washington Wizards

  WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 08: Jeremy Lin #17 of the New York Knicks celebrates with teammate Jared Jeffries #9 during the first half against the Washington Wizards at Verizon Center on February 8, 2012 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

• Los Angeles Lakers v New York Knicks

  NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 10: Jeremy Lin #17 of the New York Knicks drives for a shot attempt in the first quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at Madison Square Garden on February 10, 2012 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Chambers/Getty Images)

• Los Angeles Lakers v New York Knicks

  NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 10: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives in the second quarter against Jeremy Lin #17 of the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on February 10, 2012 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Chambers/Getty Images)

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Comments

[Dr Confuso]

06:06 PM on 04/01/2012

Tim Tebow and now Jeremy Lin? Are we beginning to get people with character back in pro sports? It sure would help.

[UncleMandingo]

12:30 AM on 03/31/2012

N.Y. guidos do you ever catch a glimpse of the hype you live in or do you actually believe the stuff written. When does a 500. team ever get that much press? You are the Minnesota Timberwolves of the East.

[Elijah Hathaway]

07:18 AM on 03/30/2012

Pretty clever headline, it's to bad hormone deficiency is so prevalent in the US, until doctors can fix this the PC crowd will continue to live miserable lives.

[Kid Notorious]

12:32 AM on 03/30/2012

Great story... But as a writer and a PR guy myself I am 100% positive Mr. Frederico made an honest mistake with that headline. Disagree with me all you want, but he was writing for ESPN and had a picture of Mickey Mouse on his pay stubs... Why would he intentionally screw that up? Lin showed a lot of flaws in his game that night and that would have been the first phrase that came to my mind too after he was so hyped...

[petey shabadoo]

07:36 PM on 03/29/2012

I really hope Mexican born Gustavo Ayon becomes a rebounding beast, cleaning the glass with abandon.
Then some headline writer can write the old English phrase "S**** and Span" and we all can watch all these people jump to his defense.

[petey shabadoo]

07:20 PM on 03/29/2012

Intent or not, it was his job as the editor to prevent any sort of comment that might even be considered racist from being published.
Given the fact that there was a public outcry means he failed at his job.

[JustinP213]

02:19 PM on 03/29/2012

I give Lin a lot of credit for meeting with Federico. I also give Federico credit for agreeing to meet with Lin and saying sorry face-to-face.

[beanbrain]

01:14 PM on 03/29/2012

this society needs to grow up and get some brain..... stop with the racist junk... we are all red, yellow, brown, black, and white... and mixed of the 5.... no one is better then anyone..... color is just skin deep, that's all. it's heart and soul that matter.... those that can't get past the color of ones skin, are just ignorant.....God made us all, and made us all equal... whether you like it or not...... get over your prejudices......

[jennfranco94]

01:02 PM on 03/29/2012

I cant believe the poor guy lost his job over that one line. A little ridiculous. Especially because it wasn't meant to offend Jeremy Lin.

[rhernan490]

12:52 PM on 03/29/2012

He never should have been fired. Lin is surely a man of integrity.

[omountainman]

12:26 PM on 03/29/2012

The irony of this whole thing, is from reports that I've heard, the reporter's wife is Asian. What's pathetic is that there's so many words in every language that have double meanings. It all depends on the context and inflexion used. But the problem is there are many that don't take the time to read the context and always have to assume the negative. I'm not particularly a sports fan of any type, but Jeremy sounds like a good kid! The next step is for ESPN to rehire the reporter, because there didn't seem to be any malice in the headline. Chink in the armor has been a common term used for centuries.

[jfoster941]

03:29 PM on 03/29/2012

Yes indeed. Unfortunately, there are a lot of ignorant people in the world

[b48gordo]

12:09 PM on 03/29/2012

Iamahawkeye is right--- the phrase in no way ever refered to asians and only referred to a flaw in the armor---like achilles heel--the only uncovered spot in his armor----bob

[dc3773]

12:00 PM on 03/29/2012

it's funny if you make a remark against african americans or people of the jewish faith there is such an uproar. asians are perceived as timid and not trouble makers and it is ok to offend them without consequence

[KiaShine]

02:22 PM on 03/29/2012

And you brought that up because????????? DA!

[flapjacks5]

06:53 PM on 04/02/2012

There was an uproar that led to a man being fired! What more uproar do you really need?

Give me a break with all of this... this.... nonsense.

[dc3773]

11:58 AM on 03/29/2012

Sean Salisbury a former NFL quarterback and ESPN analyst was fired by saying, :jewing them down the field". he meant to say nickel and diming them down the field.

[2Murphys]

11:44 AM on 03/29/2012

So no march? Where was Sharpton and Jackson? Did they swoop in to defend Jeremy like they did the girls basketball team that Imus called Nappy Headed Ho's? Ofcourse not. Do you think Lin will try and sue like one of the Rutgers players did (K. Vaughn)? Nope. I wonder where all the race sensation comes from??

[360Dunk]

12:46 PM on 03/29/2012

I've seen just as many racist whites (like you) who cause problems. Time to dry clean your sheets, racist.

[rlwllms02]

02:45 PM on 03/29/2012

I'm a fan too Brad; if you work for the Daily show. You're joking right ?

[joynpain]

12:37 PM on 03/29/2012

This guy was fired immediately, action was taken without a second thought... no need for an uproar

[KiaShine]

02:24 PM on 03/29/2012

Thank you Joy! Because that comment about blacks was not needed.

[jfoster941]

03:31 PM on 03/29/2012

He was fired without a first thought. I wonder when the wrongful termination suit will be filed.