NHL Team Suspends Play-By-Play Commentator Tim Saunders For Oral Sex Joke Caught On Hot Mic

The Philadelphia Flyers suspended announcer Tim Saunders after a crude on-air remark was accidentally broadcast during Thursday night’s game, according to audio

The hot-mic moment occurred during a timeout in the third in the game against the Buffalo Sabres, according to TMZ. After Saunders tossed to commercial, a brief stretch of dead air followed in which he could be heard humming. Roughly 25 seconds into the break, audio captured Saunders making a lewd sexual comment to a co-worker while unaware his microphone was still live.

“While you’re down there, would you mind blowing me?” Saunders said, according to the audio.

It didn’t take long for his broadcasting partner — color commentator Todd Fedoruk, according to the Toronto Sun — to realize they were still on air.

“I think we’re still on the air, Tim,” Fedoruk told Saunders.

Saunders can be heard laughing before asking, “No, we’re not. Are we?”

The on-air gaffe earned Saunders a two-game suspension and a formal apology was issued by the hockey team. The Flyers posted their apology on social media Dec. 19.

pic.twitter.com/3LQywSJ958

— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) December 19, 2025

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – DECEMBER 13: Seth Jarvis #24 of the Carolina Hurricanes scores a goal against Samuel Ersson #33 of the Philadelphia Flyers during the third period at Xfinity Mobile Arena on December 13, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

“We are aware of the inappropriate comment made during last night’s radio broadcast in the TV timeout of the Flyers-Sabres game,” they wrote.

“These remarks do not reflect the standards of conduct or values we expect from anyone associated with our organization.”

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 11: A close-up view of the NHL logo worn by referee Garrett Rank #7 during the game between the Philadelphia Flyers and the Washington Capitals at the Wells Fargo Center on January 11, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images )

The statement continued, “Effective immediately, the Flyers, along with our radio partners, 97.5 The Fanatic, have issued a two-game suspension while we address this matter with all parties involved.”

They concluded by writing, “We take this matter very seriously, and sincerely apologize to our listeners, fans and all those affected by these comments.” (RELATED: Unearthed Video Shows Bill Belichick’s Girlfriend Jordon Hudson Making Fun Of Staff)

Saunders has not commented publicly on the matter.