• Loading stock data...
Thursday, February 13, 2025

Mike Milbury Takes Leave as NBC Sports Analyst After Comment About Women

  • Milbury said during an NHL broadcast that bubble sites didn’t have women to “disrupt” players.
  • Milbury announced that he would “step away” from his role at NBC Sports.
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

This story was updated with statement from Mike Milbury on Aug. 22

Mike Milbury will “step away” as a NBC Sports hockey analyst for the rest of the Stanley Cup Playoffs after his latest controversial comment.

The announcement on Aug 22 comes two days after he said on air that the NHL bubble sites didn’t have women to “disrupt” players. 

“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,” Milbury said in a statement provided by NBC Sports. “I do not want my presence to interfere with the athletes as they try to win the greatest trophy in sports.”

The NHL playoffs are played at two bubble sites — Toronto and Edmonton — where, like the NBA, players are segregated from the public. In a discussion about the bubble environment during the New York Islanders’ series-clinching victory over the Washington Capitals, Milbury said, “Not even any woman here to disrupt your concentration.”

“I sincerely apologize for making the comment. It was not my intention to disrespect anyone. I was trying to be irreverent and took it a step too far. It was a regrettable mistake that I take seriously,” Milbury said in his first statement.

John Forslund and Brian Boucher were in the booth Friday night for the Philadelphia Flyers-Montreal Canadiens game minus Milbury.

“We’re disappointed about Mike’s insensitive comment and have addressed it with him,” NBC Sports said in a statement on Aug. 21. 

Reds broadcaster Thom Brennaman in the booth.

Thom Brennaman Suspended After Using Anti-Gay Slur On Air

Cincinnati Reds suspended broadcaster Thom Brennaman hours after he said an anti-gay…
August 20, 2020

The NHL said in a statement that it “condemns the insensitive and insulting comment” made by Milbury and contacted NBC Sports about it.

“The comment did not reflect the NHL’s values and commitment to making our game more inclusive and welcoming to all,” the NHL said in a statement.

It’s not the first remark from Milbury that has been criticized as misogynistic since the NHL season resumed. He claimed there’s a lack of fan support for women’s college hockey during a broadcast on Aug. 2.

Former NBC Sports studio analyst Jeremy Roenick was suspended and ultimately fired for an inappropriate comment made on a podcast earlier this season. 

Milbury, a former NHL player, coach and executive, has been a hockey analyst at NBC Sports for a decade.  

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Jun 13, 2018; Moscow, Russia; A general view of a beer stand inside of Luschniki Stadium one day prior to the start of the FIFA World Cup 2018.

Saudi Arabia Says No Alcohol at 2034 World Cup

Saudi Arabia won’t allow alcohol anywhere during the 2034 World Cup.
Feb 12, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Sweden goalie Linus Ullmark (35) warms-up before a game against Team Canada during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre.

NHL Says World Cup of Hockey to Return in 2028

The event will launch a schedule of biannual international competition.
Sep 22, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros third baseman Alex Bregman (2) walks on the field before the game against the Los Angeles Angels at Minute Maid Park.

MLB Spring Training Camps Open With Plenty of Top Talent Unsigned

The MLB free-agent market remains tight as spring training camps open.

Can NBC Capitalize on Super Bowl, Olympics, NBA Trio in 2026?

The network will offer an arguably unrivaled confluence of events next February.

Featured Today

Jan 9, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) checks Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) during the third period at PPG Paints Arena

‘Important’ 4 Nations Face-Off Can Be NHL’s All-Star Antidote

“The stars have been lobbying the league for an event like this.”
Brady and Mahomes
February 8, 2025

Chiefs Fatigue Is Real. It’s Nowhere Near Patriots Hate Yet

People who have covered both teams say the difference is stark.
Nov 24, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) celebrates with running back Saquon Barkley (26) after the Eagles defeat the Los Angeles Rams during the first half at SoFi Stadium.
February 7, 2025

How the Eagles Reinvented Championship Roster Construction

Philadelphia is one of the most innovative franchises in the NFL.
February 3, 2025

‘Ultimate Throwback’: The Unimpeachable Cool of Hartford Whalers Gear

Nostalgia and street cred have driven a consistent frenzy for merch.
Feb 1, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Pat McAfee and Michael Cole and Wade Barrett celebrate with Jey Uso during the WWE Royal Rumble at Lucas Oil Stadium.

WWE’s Michael Cole: Pat McAfee Made Work ‘Fun’

Cole is the host of “WWE’s Greatest Moments,” which debuts on A&E this Sunday.
February 12, 2025

Fox Made $800M From Record-Breaking Super Bowl LIX Broadcast

The network smashes event records after historic levels of ad sales.
February 12, 2025

Luka Dončić Lakers Debut Peaked at 2.55M Viewers

Dončić played just 24 minutes in the Lakers’ blowout win.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Jalyx Hunt (58) and linebacker Josh Sweat (19) tackle Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) during the first half of Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome.
February 11, 2025

Super Bowl Set Viewership Record at 127.7M, Hints at Fox Streaming Future

The historic figure improves by 3% from last year’s game.
Kendrick Lamar
February 11, 2025

Kendrick Lamar’s Attack on Drake Peaks With Most-Watched Super Bowl Halftime Ever

A record 133.5 million viewers tuned in for Lamar’s performance.
February 11, 2025

How Did Kanye West’s Super Bowl Ad for Swastika Merch Make it..

The site was taken down Tuesday morning.
ESPN, Top Rank Boxing
February 11, 2025

ESPN Parting Ways With Top Rank Boxing After Eight Years

The boxing business has been in a state of flux for several years.