The Philadelphia Flyers have suspended radio play-by-play broadcaster Tim Saunders after he was heard making an inappropriate comment during Thursday's game against the Buffalo Sabres.
Thinking he had just thrown the broadcast to a commercial break, Saunders made a reference to oral sex before being alerted by his partner, former NHLer Todd Fedoruk, that they were still live on air.
"I think we’re still on the air, Tim," Fedoruk informed Saunders.
"No we're not, are we?" Saunders replied after chuckling.
The Flyers announced on Friday that Saunders has been suspended for two games.
"These remarks do not reflect the standards of conduct or values we expect from anyone associated with our organization," read the team's statement.
Saunders released a statement through the Flyers Broadcast Network X account apologizing for his comments.
"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," Saunders wrote in a statement. "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."
Saunders has called Flyers games for 29 seasons since joining the team in 1997.
He will miss the the Flyers upcoming games against the New York Rangers on Saturday and Monday against the Vancouver Canucks.
Saunders will be back in the broadcast booth for the Flyers' final game before the NHL holiday break on Dec. 23 against the Chicago Blackhawks.