othercat2:

We’re learning more about the suspended ESPN anchor who used an ethnic slur on air during a story about Jeremy Lin. Max Bretos tweeted his apology over the weekend and added that his wife is Asian.

“My wife is Asian, would never intentionally say anything to disrespect her and that community,” Bretos tweeted on Saturday.

The Twittersphere wasn’t having any of it though.

“‘My wife is Asian’ or ‘Ï have black friends’ Did you read the ‘how a racist apologizes’ handbook?” read one reply to Bretos update.

“wow. Shocking…and that makes ur error so much more inexcusable. Still disgusted by u,” read the following tweet.

(aforementioned video at source)

…That phrase is not in any way a racist slur. The anchor is mostly at fault for using an old phrase that has a word that doubles as a racist slur. Smack his hand and get him a book of commonly used sayings so he can avoid using fucking cliches.

Protip: Never use a word that sounds like a racist slur.  

You serious?

I mean it’s at the VERY LEAST side eye worthy. Any reporter worth their salt who’s been keeping tabs on Jeremy Lin coverage and interviews would know that using the word in ANY context to refer to him whether as a slur or as a synonym for a narrow crack or opening is a big no no. 

And you do realize that intent does not in any way offset how it came across? 

Please don’t be an apologist.