Ron Darling apologizes for remark during broadcast

Broadcaster Ron Darling issued an apology after his poor choice of words during Game 2 of the American League Division Series created a stir on social media.

During the fourth inning of Saturday's game between the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox, Darling described the control problems Yankees pitcher Masahiro Tanaka was having.

"Chink in the armor for Tanaka here," he said. "It’s the first inning he has lost a little of his control."

Tanaka is Japanese, and "chink" is a racial slur that can be used to disparage Asians.

Darling, a former big-league pitcher whose mother is Chinese, released a statement following the game.

"Earlier tonight I used an expression while referencing Masahiro Tanaka’s recent pitching performance," Darling’s statement read, according to the New York Daily News. "While unintentional, I apologize for my choice of words."

The same phrase led to an ESPN headline writer getting fired in 2012 when it was used to reference NBA player Jeremy Lin.