Tim Saunders Does Not Deserve a Suspension for On-Air Joke Picked Up by Hot Mic

In a much ado about nothing note, the Flyers announced that play-by-play announcer Tim Saunders was suspended for two games by the team on Friday over a joke made on a hot mic, which was accidentally aired during a timeout.

In a written statement, the Flyers said, “We are aware of the inappropriate comment made during last night’s radio broadcast in the TV timeout of the Flyers-Sabres game. These remarks do not reflect the standards of conduct or values we expect from anyone associated with our organization.”

As the whistle sounded for a TV timeout, the flagship station 97.5 The Fanatic didn’t jump to commercial immediately as they normally do, unaware that their microphones were still live and on the air, Saunders joked to someone on the ground, “While you’re down there, would you mind blowing me?”

The issue is compounded by the fact that many who watch the Flyers on devices, including myself, had a massive issue with watching the game because it was a nationally televised game and only available on the ESPN+ network. There was a technical issue that stopped the broadcast from airing, which brought many Flyers fans to the radio broadcast. I moved to the radio and tuned in just in time to catch the joke on the air, as I assume many did as well. At the moment, I wondered if it was real life, because personally, I thought it was hilarious.

The funniest moment wasn’t the joke, per se; it was color analyst Todd Fedoruk‘s response, which has become a meme. “I think we’re still on the air, Tim,” and the ensuing awkwardness when play resumed.

The thing is that I understand why the team would issue an apology. It was a joke at an inopportune moment. He didn’t use a slur or say anything disparaging to anyone. It was a joke between friends that was picked up on hot mics when they were supposed to be in a commercial. It earned Saunders a two-game suspension, which I think is a bit excessive.

After listening to 97.5 The Fanatic Friday and looking on Twitter and Reddit, it seems that I’m in the majority here. I understand the team and the flagship station reacting to it, but it’s a bit much. As social media tends to do, it brought out people on both sides of the issue, passionately fighting about whether it was something malicious or a harmless joke.

I stand firmly on the side of a harmless joke, but I can understand if people feel strongly against it. It seems Flyers fans are behind Tim, and that is what’s most important. He didn’t say anything hateful or use any hateful language, just a joke between friends, and a poorly timed hot mic. A joke that gave many of something to laugh about when the Flyers were completely lackluster last night. I can only hope this doesn’t change the way Tim broadcasts moving forward.

Steve Hamilton

Steve may have been born in California, but don’t let that fool you. After dating a local woman and clashing with her and her family over sports for decades, he has an affinity for Philly sports. Balancing love for Philly and Bay Area sports teams may seem impossible, we can all agree that the Cowboys are the true evil.

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