The National Hockey League condemned an “insensitive and insulting” comment against women made by analyst Mike Milbury during Thursday night’s telecast of a Stanley Cup playoff game, saying the broadcaster’s words did not reflect the league’s stance on making the game more inclusive.
Update 8:45 p.m. EDT Aug. 21: NHL broadcast analyst Mike Milbury said he will not appear on NBC Sports’ coverage for the remainder of the Stanley Cup playoffs, ESPN reported.
Milbury, a former player and coach, said he did not want to be a distraction after his comments Thursday noting that players were not as distracted playing in a bubble environment because there were no women present. The NHL condemned Milbury’s comments as “insensitive and insulting.”
“In light of the attention caused by my recent remark, I have decided to step away from my role at NBC Sports for the remainder of the Stanley Cup Playoffs,” Milbury said in a statement released by the network. “I do not want my presence to interfere with the athletes as they try to win the greatest trophy in sports.”
Original report: During the New York Islanders’ 4-0 victory against the Washington Capitals, co-host John Forslund was speaking about the benefits of the NHL players playing in a bubble environment, The Sporting News reported.
“If you think about it, it’s a terrific environment with regard to -- if you enjoy playing and enjoy being with your teammates for long periods of time, it’s a perfect place,” Forslund said.
“Not even any woman here to disrupt your concentration,” Milbury, a former NHL player and coach, said in response.
In a statement, the NHL criticized Milbury’s comment.
“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 statement said. “The comment did not reflect the NHL’s values and commitment to making our game more inclusive and welcoming to all.”
Milbury, 68, who played 12 seasons with the Boston Bruins and coached for six seasons, issued an apology Friday.
“It was not my intention to disrespect anyone,” Milbury said in a statement Friday released through NBC Sports. “I was trying to be irreverent and took it a step too far. It was a regrettable mistake that I take seriously.”
NBC Sports said through a spokesperson it was disappointed with Milbury’s “insensitive comment” and would address it with him, ESPN reported.
It is not the first time Milbury’s comments have gotten him into hot water.
In 2012, Milbury said Penguins coach Dan Bylsma should have “taken off his skirt and gone over there” during a fight, ESPN reported. A year earlier, Milbury called Vancouver Canucks players Daniel Sedin and Henri Sedin as “Thelma and Louise.”
Milbury’s comments come two days after longtime Cincinnati baseball broadcaster Thom Brennaman used an anti-gay slur during a broadcast of the Reds’ game against the Kansas CIty Royals. Brennaman was suspended for his comment, which was made between innings.