Oops ESPN

by Patrick Ronald

Dear ESPN,

  Who thought this was a good idea?  As a journalism graduate, who actually worked in several newspaper news rooms, I think someone seriously dropped the ball.  I understand what someone was trying to say with the play on words, but this 'Chink in the Armor' is just reckless.

  Noone should lose their job since it was clearly just a mistake, but a HUGE multi-billion dollar company should be ALOT more aware of the consequences of publishing something this stupid.

  I am on the record for NOT LIKING Jeremy Lin and all the 'Linsanity' hype, which surrounds the young point guard from the New York Knicks.

  With that said - I'm starting to realize that it's probably not the fact I don't like Lin, but I'm tired of of ESPN beating dead horse continuously all the time, far too often.

  In my eyes, it's lazy journalism.  Find actual stories and report appropriately.  The talking heads and personalities on ESPN are idiots and apparently the corporation should probably invest in ethics and values headline writing classes.

  Since bursting onto scene February 4 against New Jersey Lin has averaged 24.6 ppg in the last eight games.  The Knicks were 7-0 and only recently lost their first game Friday against New Orleans.

  Lin only played 55 minutes through New York's first 23 games and he blew up with 25 points, five boards and seven assists against the Nets when he got his first opportunity with substantial playing time.

  He made his first career start against Utah on February 6.

  I'll admit - the Harvard graduate is playing well.  He's put together a string of good games, but I'm not buying the hype.

  Is it him or is it the story lines ESPN smothers us with.  It's good to see a humble guy get a chance, but enough is enough.

  I'm looking forward to the Knicks - Bulls match up when Chicago's Home Grown Rose shows the world how mediocre Lin really is.

  He played against New Jersey, Utah, Washington, the Lakers, Minnesota, Toronto, Sacramento and New Orleans.

  As of Sunday morning, the combined record of these teams is 90 - 155 and I only consider Derron Williams and Kobe Bryant as real guard competition during this span.

  With these numbers and lack of competition I would expect anyone to average 24 ppg and put together a seven game winning streak.