NBC Sports removed Mike Milbury from his NHL assignment Friday after backlash against comments he made during a game.
The NHL issued a formal statement Friday condemning Milbury for commenting during the Capitals’ game in New York Islanders-Washington.
“The National Hockey League condemns the insensitive and insulting remark made by Mike Milbury in yesterday’s broadcast, and we have communicated our feelings to NBC,” the league statement reads. “The comment does not reflect the values and commitment of the NHL to make our game more inclusive and hospitable to all.
Milbury made the comment this afternoon in a discussion with play-by-play man Brian Boucher about the bubble environment that NHL players play and live in during the COVID-19 pandemic.
‘Not even women here’
“When you think about it, it’s a great environment to play in – if you enjoy playing and enjoying long time with your teammates, it’s a perfect place,” Boucher said.
“It’s the perfect place,” Milbury replied. “Not even women here to limit your concentration.”
NBC Sports issued a statement commenting on Milbury’s comments.
the statement reads. “data-reactid =” 32 “>” We are disappointed with Mike’s incomplete comment and have tackled it with him, ” the statement reads.
Milbury removed from broadcast
The network later announced that Milbury’s mission would not work to cover Friday’s game between the Montreal Canadiens and Philadelphia Flyers.
“Mike Milbury does not work tonight,” reads a statement from NBC Sports. “We will announce our comment teams for this weekend’s games tomorrow night.”
Milbury apologized before being removed from the broadcast.
“I sincerely forgive myself for making the comment,” Milbury wrote. ‘It was not my intention not to respect anyone. I tried to be irreverent and took it a step too far.
“It was a sad mistake that I take seriously.”
Mike Milbury apologized for a statement during Thursday’s broadcast. (Brian Babineau / NHLI via Getty Images)
Milbury regularly directs controversy
This is not Milbury’s first brush with controversy. The 68-year-old, who played 12 seasons in the NHL, was accused of attacking a 12-year-old boy after a youth hockey game in 2011. The boy was an opponent of his son’s team. The case was later dismissed for lack of evidence.
As a broadcaster with CBC, Milbury has caused controversy by repeatedly using the word “pansification” in 2009.
In 2011, he named the Vancouver Canucks players and twins Daniel and Henrik Sedin as “Thelma and Louise” as an intended insult during the Stanley Cup final.
criticism Boston Bruins goaltender Tukka Fast
for launching the bubble to spend time with his wife and young children. Rask later revealed that his daughter was dealing with a medical emergency. “Data-reactid =” 59 “> Just last week he started a fire criticism Goaltender Tukka Rask of Boston Bruins for launching the bubble to spend time with his wife and young children. Rask later revealed that his daughter was dealing with a medical emergency.Milbury played his entire career in Boston and later worked in the front office and as head coach of the Bruins.
Another broadcaster in trouble
Milbury’s comments come at a rough week for sports broadcasters this afternoon. Charlotte Hornets suspended radio adviser John Focke after tweeting the N-word on Monday.
Cincinnati Reds and Fox Sports NFL TV broadcaster Thom Brennaman was arrested from his baseball field and removed from his NFL broadcasts after he aired an anti-gay slur in a Reds game Wednesday night.
