It happened during the third period of Thursday’s game with the Buffalo Sabres when Saunders tossed the radio broadcast to a commercial during a timeout. Saunders apparently assumed he and Fedoruk were off-air, based on the conversation that ensued.
“Now they’re going to take the TV timeout,” Saunders said, according to a transcript from CrossingBroad.com. “We’ll take it as well, seven (minutes) gone in the third, it’s 3-2 Buffalo on the Philadelphia Flyers broadcast network.”
There was a 10-second pause, during which Fedoruk apparently checked under the desk in their booth. After a pause, Saunders said, “While you’re down there, would you mind blowing me?”
Fedoruk responded, “I think we’re still on the air, Tim,” which led to nervous laughter from Saunders.
“No, we’re not, are we?” he then asked.
There was another pause, and some more laughter.
“Are we?” Saunders asked. “Do you have us? Talk to me.”
You can hear most of the exchange in the post below.
After the broadcast, the Flyers apologized for Saunders’ hot mic slip on social media.
“We are aware of the inappropriate comment made during last night’s radio broadcast in the TV timeout of the Flyers-Sabres game,” the statement read. “These remarks do not reflect the standards of conduct or values we expect from anyone associated with our organization.
“Effectively 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.”
Saunders hadn’t publicly commented on his hot mic goof as of Friday afternoon.
However, he’s not the only NHL announcer who’s made a raunchy comment during a game this year.
Back in February, Buffalo Sabres rinkside reporter Rob Ray dropped an f-bomb after he was hit in the face by a puck during a live broadcast.
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