Knicks radio voice Spero Dedes has been disciplined by MSG after discovering he also used the “chink in the armor” reference Friday night during Jeremy Lin’s first loss as a starter vs. the Hornets.
ESPN fired a headline writer for using the phrase on the Knicks game story on its website and suspended an anchor for putting the phrase in a question to Walt Frazier.
In an MSG Network statement, it said, “The term Sperio Dedes unintentionally and inadvertently used during a recent live radio broadcast 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 in dealing with this matter, but will keep details internal to the organization.”
Dedes released his own comment through the Knicks: “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 if others were offended. I will be much more sensitive to my coice of words moving forward.”
It was the second strike for Dedes, the former Lakers broadcaster in his first season with the Knicks. He was arrested for DWI on July 4th after it was reported he had agreed to terms to join the Knicks. A person familiar with the situation said Dedes won’t miss any games.