NBC Sports' Mike Milbury steps down after making sexist comment about women
NBC Sports analyst Mike Milbury has stepped down from his role with the company for the duration of the Stanley Cup Playoffs after making a sexist remark about women during an August 20 game between the New York Islanders and Washington Capitals.
Mike Milbury: “In light of the attention caused by my recent remark, I have decided to step away from my role at NBC Sports for the remainder of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. I do not want my presence to interfere with the athletes as they try to win the greatest trophy in sports.”
— Katie Strang (@KatieJStrang) August 22, 2020
Milbury and analyst Brian Boucher were discussing the competitive advantages that the bubble presented, which provoked the comment.
"If you think about it, it's a terrific environment with regard to -- if you enjoy playing and enjoy being with your teammates for long periods of time, it's a perfect place," Boucher said toward the end of Game 5, with the Islanders’ series-clinching victory essentially secured.
"Not even any woman here to disrupt your concentration," Milbury said in response.
The NHL condemned Milbury for his comment in an official statement released Friday.
A statement from the National Hockey League. pic.twitter.com/YCOTcoaK5l
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) August 21, 2020
This isn’t Milbury’s first controversy since the NHL resumed its season, following a four-month pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Milbury insinuated that Maple Leafs defenceman Jake Muzzin was sensationalizing an injury, one that led to him being carried off the ice on a stretcher. He would later criticize Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask for opting out of the tournament to be with his family.
Quite simply, Milbury had to go. There’s been no update about whether Milbury stepping down is a temporary move, or if he’ll be dismissed from the network permanently.
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