Broadcaster Suspended for Comments Made Live on Air When He Thought Mic Was Off

Radio broadcaster Thomas Saunders has been suspended after his microphone picked up a comment he thought he was making off-air.

On December 19, national hockey league (NHL) side Philadelphia Flyers travelled to Buffalo, New York to face the Buffalo Sabres.

Unfortunately, the result didn't go their way as they suffered a 5-3 loss to the Buffalo Sabres, leaving them fourth in the metropolitan division.

However, while it was a bad day to be a Philadelphia Flyers fan, it was an even worse day to be Saunders who was covering the match live on-air.

That's because the play-by-play radio broadcaster made an inappropriate comment when he thought his mic was off that has led to him being handed a suspension.

During the third period of the Flyers' 5-3 loss, Saunders put the broadcast to a commercial break, giving him a moment of reprieve before the match resumed.

The only issue was, that this didn't actually happen, meaning his microphone was still live and broadcasting to all fans listening in to the match.

And it couldn't have happened at a worse time for Saunders as, while someone in the booth went down to the floor, he was heard asking: "While you're down there, would ya mind blowing me?"

Reacting to the moment, another person was heard stating: "I think we're still on the air, Tim."

Surprisingly Saunders immediately let out a laugh, clearly thinking it was a joke, before the truth settled in as he asked: "No we're not, are we?"

Unfortunately for him, they absolutely were on air, and the moment was heard by his higher-ups.

Shortly after the moment, the Flyers released a statement online confirming that were aware of the incident and revealing that the radio network and the team would be issuing a two-game suspension.

"These remarks do not reflect the standards of conduct or values we expect from anyone associated with our organization," the Flyers said.

"Effective immediately, the Flyers, alongside our radio partners 97.5 The Fanatic, have issued a two-game suspension while we address this matter with all parties involved."

This means that Saunders will be absent for the upcoming matches against the New York Rangers and the Vancouver Canucks but will be able to return when the Flyers play the Blackhawks in Chicago.

In his own statement after the moment, Saunders wrote: 'During last night's game in Buffalo,I made an error in judgement with my comments that were made when I thought we were in a commercial break.

"I recognize how offensive my remarks were, and the harm it has caused. I take full responsibility and sincerely apologize to the Flyers, 97.5 The Fanatic and all those affected by my remarks.

"To all Flyers fans and listeners of our broadcast, I promise that I will hold myself to a higher standard moving forward to ensure our broadcast is a safe and respectful place everyone can enjoy.