NHL announcer suspended after hot mic catches inappropriate comment
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Philadelphia Flyers radio announcer Tim Saunders was suspended by the team after making an inappropriate comment during the team’s 5-3 loss to the Buffalo Sabers on Thursday night.
Saunders made the comment during the third period. He thought he had sent the broadcast to a commercial break and was off the air, but instead he was caught by a hot microphone.
“Sometimes the Flyers have a sense of urgency when they play from behind. Now they’re going to take the TV timeout, we’ll take it too. Seven (minutes) passed in the third, it’s 3-2 Buffalo on the Philadelphia Flyers broadcast network,” Saunders said before pausing, thinking he was off the air.
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Tim Saunders hosts a pregame ceremony honoring Steve Coates, a 43-year career as a member of the Philadelphia Flyers broadcast team, at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on April 1, 2023. (Len Redkoles/NHLI via Getty Images)
After about 20 seconds of silence, thinking he was off the air, Saunders says, “While you’re down there, would you mind blowing me?”
Saunders’ partner Todd Fedoruk quickly chimed in and responded, “I think we’re still up in the air, Tim.” Saunders then laughed, seeming to think Fedoruk was pranking him, and then said, “No, we’re not, are we?”
The Flyers issued a two-game suspension to Saunders on Friday morning.
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Philadelphia Flyers radio announcer Tim Saunders calls an NHL game against the Carolina Hurricanes at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on January 3, 2019. (Len Redkoles/NHLI via Getty Images)
“We are aware of the inappropriate comment made during last night’s radio broadcast at the television timeout of the Flyers-Sabres game. These comments do not reflect the standards of conduct or values we expect from anyone associated with our organization,” the Flyers said in a statement.
“Effective immediately, the Flyers, along with our radio partners, 97.5 The Fanatic, have issued a two-game suspension while we address this matter with all parties involved. We take this matter very seriously and sincerely apologize to our listeners, fans and everyone affected by these comments.”
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Philadelphia Flyers radio announcer Tim Saunders poses for a photo before an NHL game against the Minnesota Wild at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on November 11, 2017. (Len Redkoles/NHLI via Getty Images)
Saunders has been the Flyers radio announcer since 1997, spending nearly 30 years in the role. He has been announcing for 40 years, when he began his television career in minor league hockey.
Saunders released a statement Friday apologizing for his comment.
“During last night’s game in Buffalo, I made an error in judgment with my comments I made when I thought we were in a commercial break. I recognize how offensive my comments were and the damage they have caused. I take full responsibility and sincerely apologize to the Flyers, 97.5 The Fanatic and everyone affected by my comments,” Saunders said in a statement.
“To all Flyers fans and listeners of our broadcast, I promise that I will maintain a higher standard in the future to ensure our broadcast is a safe and respectful place that everyone can enjoy.”
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Ryan Canfield is a digital production assistant for News Digital.