NHL broadcaster suspended by team after NSFW hot mic blunder
This is a good reminder to young broadcasters: always check to see if you’re “on air.”
Because sometimes, even the most seasoned veterans can make a mistake.
Play-by-play announcer Tim Saunders has been calling Philadelphia Flyers games for over 25 years, but that didn’t stop him from having one of the most blatant hot mic moments of 2025.
During a third-period commercial break as the Flyers visited the Buffalo Sabres, Saunders made an off-hand comment, not knowing he was still live.
I think weāre still on the air Tim šššš pic.twitter.com/lwbeDR8aJy
— Travis Ballinghoff (@travieballin26) December 19, 2025
Saunders blurted out on air: “While you’re down there, would you mind blowing me?”
“I think we’re still on the air, Tim,” his colour commentator, Todd Fedoruk, said.
Saunders then burst out laughing before saying, “No, we’re not, are we?”
Unfortunately for Saunders, they were, in fact, still on the air.
On Friday morning, the Flyers and their affiliate radio station, 97.5 The Fanatic, issued a statement, along with a two-game suspension for Saunders’ inappropriate comment.
Saunders then responded with a statement of his own.
“I made an error in judgment with my comments that were made when I thought we were in a commercial break,” Saunders said. “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.”
Saunders has been involved in Philadelphia Flyers broadcasts since 1997. Back in 2023, the organization acknowledged him with Tiffany Crystal after he hit the 25-year mark in the Flyers broadcast booth.
Following the incident, Flyers fans largely jumped to the defence of the long-time broadcaster.
While I understand the need to respond and the fact that the comment was wildly inappropriate – Tim Saunders is one of the most professional broadcasters in the business period. Two game suspension seems heavy but I certainly understand why they're doing it. #LetsGoFlyers https://t.co/Axx8WGgvGG
— Justin Nolan (@chi2phi) December 19, 2025
Even Flyers media members were giving him the benefit of the doubt.
Obviously Tim Saunders made a mistake here (hot mics, they can get you), but I know the Flyers radio guys well enough to know they're constantly ragging on each other good naturedly. I imagine that's what happened here. Don't think anyone should think less of him. https://t.co/mldvhV2sLa
— Charlie O'Connor (@charlieo_conn) December 19, 2025
Everyone makes mistakes in life. It’s just not every day that a mistake goes viral, like it just did for Saunders.