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Philadelphia Flyers radio announcer Tim Saunders was 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 in the third period. He thought he had sent the broadcast to a commercial break and was off the air, but was instead caught on a hot mic.
“Sometimes the Flyers get a sense of urgency when they come from behind. Now they take a TV timeout, we take it too. Seven (minutes) into the third, it’s 3-2 Buffalo on the Philadelphia Flyers broadcast network,” Saunders said before pausing to think he was off the air.
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Tim Saunders hosts a pregame ceremony honoring Steve Coates, a 43-year career 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, and he thought he was off the air, Saunders says, “While you’re down there, would you mind blowing me?”
Saunders’ partner, Todd Fedoruk, quickly stepped in and replied, “I think we’re still up in the air, Tim.” Saunders then burst into laughter, seeming to think Fedoruk was truanting him, then said, “No, we don’t, do we?”
The Flyers issued a two-game suspension for Saunders on Friday morning.
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Tim Saunders, radio announcer for the Philadelphia Flyers, 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 during last night’s radio broadcast during the TV timeout of the Flyers-Sabres game. These remarks do not reflect the standards of behavior or values we expect from 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 all those affected by these comments.”
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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 his role. He has been announcing for 40 years, having begun his radio career in minor league hockey.
