Paul Bissonnette will be receiving a phone call today after making a jestful comment during a TNT broadcast about a hockey official potentially having action on a playoff game. Although the remark was meant to be humorous, it raised eyebrows among sports leagues that are heavily sponsored by sportsbooks. The implication of officials possibly placing bets on the game is taken seriously by these leagues as it could fuel suspicion that the game is fixed.
The NBA recently fined a player $75,000 for making a money-sign gesture at officials during a postseason game, emphasizing their zero tolerance for any insinuation of impropriety. It remains unclear how the NHL will respond to Bissonnette’s comment as their approach to employees of broadcast partners making controversial statements is unknown. However, it is safe to assume that such a comment during an NFL broadcast would result in severe consequences for the analyst involved.
It’s important for broadcasters and analysts to understand the implications of their words and how they can affect the perception of sports. As more people joke about officials having action on games, some viewers may start believing it actually happens. This can damage the integrity of the sport and sports leagues as a whole. As such, it’s crucial for broadcasters and analysts to use their platforms responsibly and avoid making comments that could lead to misinformation or speculation about sports events.
