National Basketball Association

Knicks discipline Dedes for Lin slur

Published Feb. 21, 2012 12:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

New York Knicks radio voice Spero Dedes was disciplined by Madison Square Garden Network on Tuesday after it emerged he uttered the same phrase used by two ESPN employees on Friday night during Jeremy Lin's first loss as a starter, against the Hornets.

ESPN fired a headline writer for using the phrase, which carries obvious racial overtones when used in reference to a person of Asian descent, on the Knicks game story on its website and suspended an anchor for putting the phrase in a question he asked about Lin's weaknesses during an interview with Hall of Fame Knicks guard Walt Frazier.

"The term Spero 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," MSG said in a statement.

"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, which said, "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 choice of words moving forward."

It was the second strike for Dedes, the former Los Angeles Lakers broadcaster in his first season with the Knicks. He was arrested on a DWI charge on July 4 after it was reported he had agreed to terms to join the Knicks.

A person familiar with the situation said Dedes will not miss any games.