NHL broadcaster hit with suspension over sexual hot mic remark

Thursday night’s Flyers game against the Buffalo Sabres featured an unexpected moment that immediately went viral, and it wasn’t the score.

During a third-period commercial break, the radio broadcast remained live, and Flyers play-by-play announcer Tim Saunders delivered a now-infamous hot mic joke.

Here it is, transcribed:

Saunders: “Now they’re going to take the TV timeout… it’s 3-2 Buffalo on the Philadelphia Flyers broadcast network.”

(pause, we can hear Saunders sigh and scat sing a little.)

Saunders: “While you’re down there, would you mind blowing me?”

Fridge: “I think we’re still on the air, Tim.”

(boisterous laughter)

Saunders: “No we’re not, are we?”

(long pause, then more laughing)

Listen here, it's definitely worth it:

I guess they did mind.

The moment quickly caught the attention of social media, with fans sharing the clip and laughing at the candid, playful exchange. Many defended Saunders, noting that the comment was meant in jest, harmless, off-colour locker-room humour, not discriminatory or offensive. But others have found it offensive.

Therefore, the Flyers came out with a statement on Friday and have issued a two-game suspension in response to the incident, though it does not specifically name Saunders but instead says "the parties involved". While some might call it a soft penalty, the organization clearly felt action was necessary to maintain broadcast standards.

“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.”

Despite the fallout, fans are still laughing at the clip, a reminder that even in professional hockey, sometimes a little candid humour goes a long way… even if it lands you on the wrong side of league discipline.