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The Fired ESPN Editor Who Published The “Chink In The Armor” Jeremy Lin Headline Speaks

Of the three people responsible for “chink in the armor” references to Jeremy Lin on ESPN property, Anthony Federico got it the toughest. Anchor Max Bretos got a 30-day suspension, but Federico, the editor who posted the headline to ESPN’s mobile site early Saturday morning, lost his job. Later, he talked to the New York Daily News about the ordeal, and he says there was no ill intent behind it:

“This had nothing to do with me being cute or punny… I’m so sorry that I offended people. I’m so sorry if I offended Jeremy.”

And there’s more. Federico, while saying he’s used the “chink in the armor” phrase in many headlines before, said he doesn’t blame ESPN for cutting ties, and that the company “did what they had to do.” He described himself as “devastated” over the incident… especially since he holds an especially high opinion of Lin:

Federico called Lin one of his heroes – not just because he’s a big Knicks fan, but because he feels a kinship with a fellow “outspoken Christian.”

“My faith is my life,” he said. “I’d love to tell Jeremy what happened and explain that this was an honest mistake.”

For his part, Lin seems to accept that explanation:

“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.”

Looking at what Federico’s said, if it was intentional, he’s doing one hell of a job hiding it. It was absolutely a big mistake, and as he himself said, ESPN had to take action, and quickly. But he also seems to feel legitimately awful about it, and he’s the only one of three people who all made similar mistakes who had to pay with his job. If Federico’s being as genuine as he sounds, it’s hard not to feel bad for the guy – and hope he won’t be out of work for long.