Doris Burke To Be Fired By ESPN For Saying N Word During Knicks Game?
Doris Burke To Be Fired By ESPN For Saying N Word During Knicks Game?
Doris Burke faces significant criticism following a controversial call during the New York Knicks versus Boston Celtics game on May 12, 2025. The incident occurred at the 3:21 mark when Mikal Bridges made a jump shot, giving the Knicks a 111-104 advantage. Burke commented on the Celtics’ struggles in clutch postseason moments while praising the Knicks.
The controversy stems from Burke’s pronunciation of “Knickerbockers,” the formal name of the New York Knicks. Many viewers perceived her emphasis on certain syllables as sounding like a racial slur. The perceived verbal misstep quickly gained traction on social media platforms.
If the A’s announcer lost his job for this, so should Doris Burke https://t.co/LWJY2LggBm
— JimandSamDankMemes (@JandSdankmemes) May 13, 2025
Viewers immediately took to various platforms to express their reactions. Burke’s Instagram account saw numerous comments questioning what she had said during the broadcast. The incident drew comparisons to previous broadcasting controversies involving racial language.
The game itself had additional drama beyond Burke’s comment. At the 2:58 mark, Celtics star Jason Tatum suffered an ankle injury after scoring 42 points. He was taken to the locker room in a wheelchair and did not return to the court. The Knicks capitalized on his absence to secure a 121-113 victory, taking a 3-1 lead in the series.
Social media response to Burke’s comment was swift and widespread:
| Platform | Reaction Type | Volume |
|---|---|---|
| Direct questions to Burke | High | |
| Memes and criticism | Very High | |
| Debate threads | Moderate |
As of May 13, 2025, Burke has not publicly addressed the controversy. This silence has allowed speculation to continue across social media channels. The timing is particularly challenging as Burke was recently praised for breaking barriers in sports broadcasting.
ESPN has also not issued any formal statement regarding the incident or their analyst’s comments. The network typically reviews such incidents before determining appropriate responses.
The controversy occurs in a climate where broadcasters face intense scrutiny for their language choices. Several sports commentators have faced professional consequences for similar incidents in recent years.
The Knicks-Celtics series continues with heightened attention not only on the competitive matchup but also on the broadcasting team. Game 5 is scheduled to take place with Burke expected to continue her commentary duties unless the network decides otherwise.
A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.
