Make sure the mic is off before making off-hand comments.
Tim Saunders, the radio play-by-play announcer for the Philadelphia Flyers, learned that the hard way after being caught making a crude sexual comment to a co-worker during a commercial break in Thursday’s game between the Flyers and the Buffalo Sabres.
The on-air gaffe occurred during a television timeout late in the third period of the game. It earned Saunders a two-game suspension and a formal apology was issued by the hockey team.
Warning: Audio contains coarse language
What did he say?
After Saunders announced the commercial break, there are a few seconds of dead air where he can be heard humming to kill the time.
About 20 seconds into the break, Saunders made a crude comment, not realizing his mic was still live and hot.
“While you’re down there, would you mind b***ing me?” Saunders said, referring to fellatio.
It didn’t take long for his broadcasting partner, colour commentator Todd Fedoruk, to realize they were still on air.
“I think we’re still on the air, Tim,” Fedoruk told Saunders.
Saunders can be heard laughing before asking: “No, we’re not. Are we? Are we? Do you have us? Talk to me.”
The fallout
In a post on social media, the Flyers issued an apology on behalf of the organization and radio station 97.5 The Fanatic for Saunders’s remark, noting he has received a two-game suspension.
“We are aware of the inappropriate comment made during last night’s radio broadcast in the TV timeout of the Flyers-Sabres game,” said the hockey organization.
“These remarks do not reflect the standards of conduct or values we expect from anyone associated with our organization.
“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 all those affected by these comments.”
So far, Saunders has not publicly commented on the incident.
