Knicks radio voice Spero Dedes has been disciplined but not suspended by MSG for making a racially insensitive remark Friday on ESPN Radio during the Knicks’ loss to the Hornets, Jeremy Lin’s first running the Knicks.
Dedes called the loss a “chink in the armor.” ESPN fired a headline writer after the term was used on a mobile application version of espn.com and suspended an anchor for also using the phrase Friday.
An MSG Network statement read: “The term Spero Dedes unintentionally and inadvertently used … was inappropriate and inconsistent with the high regard we have for Jeremy Lin as a member of our MSG Family, as well as the Asian community. Spero deeply regrets the error and never intended to offend anyone, most particularly Jeremy, whom he holds in high esteem. We took appropriate disciplinary action.’’
Dedes released a statement: “I am deeply sorry that my unfortunate choice of words offended anyone, it was completely inadvertent. I have apologized to Jeremy and I apologize to the Asian community.’’
It was the second strike for Dedes, in his first season with the Knicks after leaving the Lakers. He was arrested for DWI on July 4 in the Hamptons. It is believed Dedes was fined and won’t miss any games.
Lin said he “forgave’’ ESPN.
In Steve Serby’s Q & A that appeared in Saturday’s Post, Lin said he was called the slur during a Harvard game twice by an opponent.
“I was like really confused, and then he said it again, and then I was just like, ‘You need to chill,’ and I told the ref, I’m like, ‘He really needs to stop saying that to me,’ ” Lin told Serby.
What if he hadn’t stopped?
“I probably would have done something stupid,’’ Lin said.
marc.berman@nypost.com