(670 The Score) The Blackhawks on Tuesday strongly condemned television play-by-play voice Pat Foley’s comment during the broadcast Monday in which he said he might put a “bullet in my head” if he had to deal with the COVID-19 restrictions the team had to operate under this season.
Foley apologized soon after on-air for making the comment, which the Blackhawks called “absolutely unacceptable” a day later.
“We are incredibly disappointed in Pat Foley’s comments on our broadcast (Monday) evening – an absolutely unacceptable choice of words that trivialized mental health and suicide while discussing the challenges and loneliness the team may have faced during COVID-19 restrictions,” the team said in a statement to the Chicago Tribune.
“We know many of our fans and other community members are struggling with similar thoughts and feelings, especially after this trying year, and we want them to know their well-being is no joking matter. Mental health is of the utmost importance to the Blackhawks, and we are speaking to Pat further about his insensitivity.”
Foley’s comment came late in the Blackhawks’ 5-4 loss to the Stars in overtime in what was their season finale.
“Had I been traveling with the team this year, I might have put a bullet in my head,” Foley said.
Foley didn’t travel with the team for road games due to COVID-19 protocols. He called the road games remotely for NBC Sports Chicago.