NEWYou can now listen to PK Press Club articles!
Philadelphia Flyers radio announcer Tim Saunders has been suspended by the team after making an inappropriate comment during the team’s 5-3 loss to the Buffalo Sabers on Thursday night.
Saunders made the comment during the third period. He thought he had sent the show to a commercial break and was off the air, but he was picked up on a hot mic.
“Sometimes the Flyers feel a sense of urgency when they’re playing from behind. Now they’re going to take the TV timeout, we’ll take that too. Seven (minutes) gone in the third, it’s 3-2 Buffalo on the Philadelphia Flyers broadcast network,” Saunders said before taking a break, thinking he was no longer on the air.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON PK Press Club
Tim Saunders hosts a pre-game ceremony honoring Steve Coates, a 43-year career as a member of the Philadelphia Flyers broadcast team, at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on April 1, 2023. (Len Redkoles/NHLI via Getty Images)
After about 20 seconds of silence, thinking he was no longer on the air, Saunders said, “While you’re out there, would you mind sucking me off?”
Saunders’ partner Todd Fedoruk quickly chimed in and responded, “I think we’re still on the air, Tim.” Saunders then burst out laughing, seeming to think Fedoruk was playing a joke on him, then said, “No, he’s not, is he?”
The Flyers handed Saunders a two-game suspension Friday morning.
TRUMP HONORS “MIRACLE ON ICE” TEAM; MIKE ERUZIONE AND JIM CRAIG PRAISE THE PRESIDENT IN RETURN
Philadelphia Flyers radio announcer Tim Saunders calls an NHL game against the Carolina Hurricanes at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on January 3, 2019. (Len Redkoles/NHLI via Getty Images)
“We are aware of the inappropriate comment made last night on the radio broadcast during the television break of the Flyers-Sabres game. These remarks do not reflect the standards of conduct or values we expect of anyone associated with our organization,” the Flyers said in a statement.
“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 everyone affected by these comments.”
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE PK Press Club APP
Philadelphia Flyers broadcaster Tim Saunders poses for a photo before an NHL game against the Minnesota Wild at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on November 11, 2017. (Len Redkoles/NHLI via Getty Images)
Saunders has been the Flyers’ radio play-by-play announcer since 1997, spending nearly 30 years in the role. He has been announcing for 40 years, beginning his broadcasting career in minor league hockey.
