The NHL bubble can keep its players safe from COVID-19, but not its fans from Mike Milbury’s “insensitive and insulting” comments.
The NBC Sports analyst came under fire Thursday night while calling the Islanders and Capitals game, for suggesting that women were a distraction for NHL players.
‘If you think about it, [the bubble is] a great environment – if you enjoy playing and enjoying being with your teammates for a long time, it’s a perfect place, ”said play-by-play man John Forslund.
“Not even all the women here to disturb your concentration,” Milbury replied.
The NHL issued a statement Friday condemned Milbury’s remark.
“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 said. “The comment does not reflect the values and commitment of the NHL to make our game more inclusive and hospitable to all.
NBC Sports said it was “disappointed with Mike’s indecent remark and tackled it with him.” Milbury also filed an apology Friday.
“I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience. It was not my intention not to respect anyone, ‘he said said in a statement. ‘I tried to be irreverent and took it a step too far. It was a sad mistake that I take seriously. ”
However, it is not the first time the former Islanders coach has been called out for his comments in the bubble. Last week, he questioned Bruins goalkeeper Tuukka Rask’s decision to leave the family for family reasons. It has since been reported that there was a family emergency.
“No one just made the choice to leave the bubble just because they did not want to be here and they needed to be with their family,” Milbury said at the time. “I would not have done it, the rest of the league players have not done it.”
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