Earlier this NHL season, Boston Bruins television announcer Jack Edwards created headlines after criticizing Tampa Bay Lightning Pat Maroon and his weight. The NESN broadcaster got the chance to apologize to Maroon in person Thursday.
In November, Edwards said Maroon was “listed at 238 pounds” before noting “that was day one of training camp. I’ve got a feeling he’s had a few more pizzas between then and now.”
In response, Maroon made a $2,000 donation to Tampa Bay Thrives, a non-profit that helps those struggling with mental health and substance abuse issues.
“It was not intended to be mean-spirited. I went to Pat and explained that,” Edwards told The Athletic’s Joe Smith. “He got his feelings off his chest, and I listened to all of it. I was not going to walk away. I let him go as long as he could. I wanted him to know I respected him as much as any NHL player for lasting as long as he has. Every single player who has played in the NHL is an unbelievable athlete, and I made that clear.”
Edwards then said his words in November were taken out of context.
“I didn’t make fun of people who are struggling with mental illness. I didn’t use the word ‘fat’ at any time. Intentional misreading of my intent ran rampant.”
A Twitter thread from LightningInsider.com’s Erik Erlendsson alluded to the conversation between Edwards and Maroon not going well.
A report from Matt Porter of the Boston Globe claimed Maroon “dressed down” Edwards for 10 minutes inside the Lightning locker room after the 65-year-old approached the 13-year NHL vet.
“The length and intensity of the one-sided conversation had the attention of most everyone in the room,” Porter said.
