An NBC Sports analyst was forced to step down after making an ‘insensitive’ joke that sparked outrage and resulted in calls for the former hockey player to be replaced.
Mike Milbury, 68, is a National Hockey League analyst and former hockey player who stepped down for the remainder of 2020 Stanley Cup playoffs following his ‘insulting’ comment about women.
The joke took place on Thursday, during the match between New York Islanders and Washington Capitals, when Milbury’s co-host Brian Bouche started discussing the benefits NHL players have from the ‘quarantine bubble’.
“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,” the commentator said.
Responding to Bouche was Milbury who said: “Not even any woman here to disrupt your concentration.”
Following his comment, the former hockey player was quickly slammed on social media whereas the NHL distanced themselves from the joke and branded it “insulting.”
“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 NHL stated.
“The comment did not reflect the NHL’s values and commitment to making our game more inclusive and welcoming to all.”
Meanwhile, social media users rallied against the NBC Sports analyst and accused him of ‘outdated’ and ‘offensive’ behavior.
“This kind of misogyny reinforces sports as a boys club. If you can’t see that, then you’re part of the problem,” one person wrote.
Following a backlash from all sides, Milbury apologized for his comment by saying: “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.”
On Saturday, the analyst also announced he’s stepping down from his position for the rest of the 2020 playoffs.
“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 StanleyCupPlayoffs. I do not want my presence to interfere with the athletes as they try to win the greatest trophy in sports,” Milbury announced in a statement shared by NBC Sports.
Replaced!