Doris Burke holding micDoris Burke (Photo via Peter Casey-Imagn Images)
NBA fans are calling for ESPN to punish Doris Burke by suspending or firing her following her curious comment toward the end of the New York Knicks’ win over the Boston Celtics on Monday night.

The Knicks have taken a 3-1 lead in the second-round postseason series, overcoming a 14-point deficit to get to within one win of advancing to the Eastern Conference finals. They will hope to wrap things up in Game 5.

A comment from Burke somewhat overshadowed the win. She was heard referring to the Knicks by their original 1946 name, the “New York Knickerbockers” during the ESPN broadcast.

The way she pronounced it had folks believing she meant to sneak a racial slur in there, and they’re calling for her job.

“DORIS BURKE DROPPING THE HARD R IN CRUNCH TIME. SUSPEND HER @espn @NSAGov @FBI,” one fan posted.

 

“NAH I WASNT TRIPPING CANCEL DORIS BURKE!!!!!” another demanded.

“Nah cancel Dorris Burke for that she said that with a hard r,” said another.

“DORIS BURKE SAY GOODBYE TO UR JOB THANK GOD KNICKS IN 5,” a user shared.

Doris Burke Has Been Getting Ripped Throughout This Series

Doris Burke smilingESPN reporter and analyst Doris Burke (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Doris Burke is a veteran in the business and a respected figure in the sports media world. Still, she’s been receiving criticism for her coverage of the ongoing series between the two teams, and this latest bit has taken things to another level.

The Celtics are facing elimination in Game 5 on Wednesday and will have to do so without Jayson Tatum. The player was helped to the locker room after going down without contact in the fourth quarter of Monday night’s game and has since undergone surgery to repair his right Achilles.

“Jayson Tatum today underwent successful surgery to repair a ruptured right Achilles tendon,” the Celtics said in a statement on Tuesday afternoon. “No timetable is currently available for his return, but he is expected to make a full recovery. Further updates will be provided when appropriate.”

We wish him a speedy recovery.