PHILADELPHIA, PA – The Philadelphia Flyers suspended longtime radio announcer Tim Saunders after he was caught making an inappropriate remark during Thursday night’s broadcast of the team’s 5–3 loss to the Buffalo Sabres. The incident occurred midway through the third period when Saunders, believing the broadcast had gone to commercial, made an off-color comment that was broadcast live. The remark was aired following a routine game update in which Saunders noted the score and paused for what he thought was a TV timeout.
During what he thought was a commercial break, Saunders, responding jokingly to a female voice heard over the stadium’s public announcement system said, “While you’re down there, would you mind blowing me?”
He was still on the air at the time.
The Flyers released a statement Friday acknowledging the incident, calling the comment “inappropriate” and emphasizing that it “does not reflect the standards of conduct or values” of the organization. The team, in coordination with radio partner 97.5 The Fanatic, announced that Saunders has been suspended for two games while the matter is reviewed.
Saunders, who has been part of the Flyers’ broadcast team for over two decades, has not publicly commented on the suspension. The organization extended an apology to fans, listeners, and those affected, stating it takes the matter “very seriously.”
The Flyers face the New York Islanders on Saturday before traveling to Columbus to play the Blue Jackets, both games expected to be called by fill-in announcers.
