It's unlikely the ESPN online editor and TV commentator responsible for using a derogatory term in describing the performance of New York Knicks guard Jeremy Lin, a man of Taiwanese descent, are racist. Also improbable is that they are stupid.
Similarly, no thinking person can argue that, regardless of intent, using such a term was anything other than inappropriate and offensive.
Offensive to whom? One radio commentator Tuesday morning said what offends one person may not offend another, which is true. But that sort of facile dismissal misses a larger point: A multicultural, multiracial country such as ours requires respect of and sensitivity to all.
Sports is a microcosm of the diverse United States. Athletes of many races and backgrounds live, work, compete, strive, fight, win and lose together. It isn't a little world without conflict, but one in which respect for and cooperation with people of varied backgrounds is the key to success. And that means being aware, knowing what is and is not appropriate.
A call to oversensitivity? Hardly. This is about being mature enough to recognize that choosing a better word for a headline or phrase is a small price for helping maintain an environment that values all parts of a complicated whole.
Instead of firing the online editor and suspending the commentator, ESPN should have made those responsible for the Lin fiasco undergo extensive diversity training and then put them back to work having learned a hard, valuable lesson.
What to watch
NBA, Kings at Washington, 4 p.m., CSNCA: Sacramento reaches the midway point of the season.
Today's poll
What are you looking forward to most?
• NBA All-Star Weekend
• Daytona 500
• NFL combine
Vote above or leave your comments in the comment field; Or, go to www.sacbee.com/sports
Tuesday's results
What do you think of the A's signing Manny Ramirez?
• It's worth the risk: 62%
• Waste of $500,000: 38%
Total votes: 208
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