NBC Sports commentator Mike Milbury did not call Friday night’s Game 6 between the Philadelphia Flyers and Montreal Canadiens in Toronto after he made a reaction on the air the night before that was seen as misogynistic.
“Mike is not working tonight,” a NBC Sports spokesman said via email. “We will announce our comment teams for this weekend’s games tomorrow morning.”
Eddie Olczyk was the analyst for the game.
Near the end of the New York Islanders’ victory over the Washington Capitals on Thursday night at Scotiabank Arena, Milbury and the NBCSN crew visited the top for players who were in a bubble environment during the playoffs of Stanley Cup
“If you enjoy spending a long time with your teammates, it’s a perfect place,” said analyst Brian Boucher. Milbury then added, “Not even all the women here to disturb your concentration.”
OPINION: NHL, NBC and hockey fans would be better off without Mike Milbury on air
The remark soon drew criticism.
“The National Hockey League condemns the insensitive and insulting remark Mike Milbury made at yesterday’s broadcast and we have communicated our feelings to NBC,” the league said in a statement Friday. “The comments did not reflect the values and dedication of the NHL to make our game more inclusive and welcome for all.”
NBC Sports said it was “disappointed with Mike’s incomplete comment” and agreed with Milbury.
“It was not my intention to respect everyone,” Milbury said in an apology released via the network. “I tried to be irreverent and took it a step too far. It was a regrettable mistake that I take seriously.”
Earlier in the playoffs, Milbury was critical of Boston Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask’s decision to leave the Toronto bubble to be with his family.
Milbury, a former NHL player and coach, has been with NBC Sports since 2008.
