NBC Sports have removed National Hockey League analyst Mike Milbury for making an 'insensitive' and 'insulting' comment ab...
NBC Sports have removed National Hockey League analyst Mike Milbury for making an 'insensitive' and 'insulting' comment about women.
On Thursday, the 68-year-old sparked furor for making the off-color remark during a live broadcast of a game between the New York Islanders and Washington Capitals.
After fellow commentator, Brian Bouche, mentioned the NHL's 'quarantine bubble', Milbury quipped: 'There's not even any woman here to disrupt your concentration'.
The comment caused a storm on Twitter, and Milbury was quickly blasted by the NHL.
NBC Sports removed National Hockey League analyst Mike Milbury from their broadcasts on Friday night after he made an 'insensitive' and 'insulting' comment about women during a Thursday game
In a statement released on Friday, the organization said: 'The National Hockey League condemns the insensitive and insulting comment that Mike Milbury made during last night's broadcast and we have communicated our feelings to NBC.
'The comment did not reflect the NHL's values and commitment to making our game more inclusive and welcoming to all'.
Milbury apologized for his comments in a statement released through NBC.
'It was not my intention to disrespect anyone. I was trying to be irreverent and took it a step too far. It was a regrettable mistake that I take seriously,' he said.
However, the apology didn't appear to be enough for the broadcaster, who booted the analyst from covering its Friday games.
'Mike Milbury is not working tonight. We will announce our commentary teams for this weekend's games tomorrow morning,' an NBC spokesperson said.
The network added that they have 'addressed' Milbury about the comment.
Milbury is pictured at left with fellow NHL commentator Jeremy Roenick (right)
Milbury made the 'irreverent' comment about the NHL 'bubble'. The league's players have been separated from their wives and girlfriend in order to complete the season. They play in arenas without spectators. Thursday night's game between he New York Islanders and Washington Capitals is seen above
Milbury is a former NHL star who played for the Boston Bruins, before he turned to sports commentary. He first began working with NBC back in 2007.
Many social media users described Milbury's remarks as 'offensive' and 'outdated'.
'This kind of misogyny reinforces sports as a boys club. If you can't see that, then you're part of the problem,' one user complained.
However, others claimed it was simply a storm in a teacup.
'It's Friday, August 21, 2020 and we must find something. -ANYTHING! - to get offended about today. It would be a waste of a day if we couldn't find something trivial to get bent out of shape about,' one person mocked.
Milbury has previously hit headlines for his controversial behavior.
Back in 2011, he was charged with assaulting a 12-year-old boy at his son's hockey game. The charge was later dropped due to a lack of evidence.
Players from the New York Islanders and Washington Capitals are seen out on the ice during Thursday night's game
Over the past year, several other sports commentators have also landed in hot water over the insensitive remarks.
Last year, NBC Sports suspended former NHL forward and commentator Jeremy Roenick for making inappropriate comments about coworker.
Meanwhile, former NHL coach Don Cherry was fired by Rogers Sportsnet over an anti-immigrant rant on the air.
Earlier this week, Cincinnati Reds broadcaster Thom Brennaman was suspended after making homophobic comments during a game.
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