NBC’s Mike Milbury has drawn more attention than anyone actually playing hockey inside the NHL bubbles in Canada. The problem is that all of the attention has been negative. Thursday night, he added to his rap sheet.
The former Bruins defenseman is being called sexist for comments he made during game between the New York Islanders and Washington Capitals. John Forslund remarked that the bubble system has been great for keeping players focused on hockey. Milbury responded “Not even any woman here to disrupt your concentration.”
The comment was tame, especially by Milbury’s own standards. Remember, this is the guy that once said PK Subban “had it coming” when a cheap shot from Sidney Crosby caused Subban’s head to bounce off the ice. But when this month alone you have already misidentified the CN Tower, been called a “bozo” for your overtime suggestions, and criticized Tuukka Rask’s decision to opt out, there isn’t a lot of goodwill left for you.
Both NBC and the NHL have issued statements on the incident. NBC told the Associated Press, “We’re disappointed about Mike’s insensitive comment and have addressed it with him.”
The NHL released its official statement on Twitter.
“I sincerely apologize for making the comment,” Milbury said in his own statement to the AP. “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.”
