A radio broadcaster for the Philadelphia Flyers has been suspended for two games after he was caught making an inappropriate sexual joke on a hot mic.
Tim Saunders, who works as a play-by-play commentator for the Flyers’ flagship station ‘97.5 The Fanatic’, was joking with broadcast partner Todd Fedoruk when he made the shocking blunder, according to the New York Times.
During Philadelphia’s game against the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday night, Saunders was suddenly heard saying on the station: ‘While you’re down there would you mind blowing me?’
He was then told by a colleague: ‘I think we’re still on the air Tim.’
After initially letting out a huge laugh, a more concerned Saunders then asked: ‘No we’re not, are we?’
It didn’t take long for a clip of the awkward moment to go viral online, before the Flyers announced that Saunders is being suspended for the next two games.
Philadelphia Flyers radio host Tim Saunders has been suspended for making a crass sexual joke on a hot mic
Saunders was calling the Flyers’ game against the Buffalo Sabres (pictured) on Thursday night
‘We are aware of the inappropriate comment made during last night’s radio broadcast in the TV timeout of the Flyers-Sabres game,’ a team statement, which didn’t mention Saunders by name, read on Friday. ‘These remarks do not reflect the standards of conduct or values we expect from anyone associated with our organization.
‘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.
‘We take this matter very seriously, and sincerely apologize to our listeners, fans and all those affected by these comments.’
Flyers director of broadcasting and content Brian Smith will be filling in for Saunders to call the games against the Rangers and Blackhawks alongside Fedoruk.
Saunders, a Michigan native who is in his 29th season with the Flyers, is set to miss the team’s game against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on Saturday as well as Monday’s home clash with the Vancouver Canucks.
Unless his suspension is increased, he will return on December 23 when Philadelphia faces the Blackhawks in Chicago.
The veteran commentator first joined the Flyers back in 1997 after spending two seasons with the Cleveland Lumberjacks of the now-defunct International Hockey League.
He also worked as the television play-by-play voice of the Philadelphia Phantoms, the Flyers’ American Hockey League affiliate, for eight seasons before it was relocated to Glens Falls, New York.
