NBC commentator Todd Richards experienced an awkward on-air gaffe at the Winter Olympics when a live microphone picked up him calling the men's snowboarding big air finals 'so boring'. The former professional snowboarder was providing commentary on the big air finals in Italy for Comcast's streaming platform Peacock on Saturday when the mortifying mishap took place.
Apparently believing the coverage had switched to an advert break, the 56-year-old was heard saying: "That was boring. That was so boring. Qualifier was way more exciting."
During the competition, Japan's Kira Kimura and Ryoma Kimata secured gold and silver respectively, whilst China's Su Yiming - the reigning champion - had to settle for bronze. American prodigy Ollie Martin, 17, narrowly missed out on a medal in fourth place.
However, Richards maintains his view that the finals lacked excitement - even though he hadn't meant to broadcast those thoughts live on television. Alongside a lengthy video message explaining his opinion, he wrote on Instagram: "Figured I should address the "hot mic" moment after the event.
EXPRESS SPORT ON FB!Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page
"This is nothing I wouldn't say to a reporter or in public. It was my opinion based on what I saw in the qualifier vs the final medal round.
"Not one word I said had anything to do with a rider in this event. I feel like I shouldn't have to say that, but I am. They all rule."
Richards' infamous on-air gaffe occurred during his sixth Winter Olympics stint as a commentator.
The Massachusetts-born snowboarder competed for Team USA when the discipline made its Olympic debut at the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan, and secured numerous championships during his professional career.
He earned recognition as a 'pioneer of the halfpipe' for introducing skateboarding techniques to the discipline. Last September, Richards received induction into the US Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame.
The Winter Olympics continues on Sunday with Czech world champion Ester Ledecka aiming to become the first snowboarder to win three consecutive Olympic titles.
Elsewhere, Legendary American skier Lindsey Vonn, 41, is in women's downhill action despite rupturing her ACL last week.
-
Josh Foulger to lead Dixon's IT hardware biz
-
T20 World Cup: Pakistan set to withdraw India boycott after Bangladesh nudge; Naqvi says decision likely in 24 hours
-
Lok Sabha adjourned amid standoff over Rahul Gandhi’s demand to speak before budget debate
-
P Chidambaram slams Budget as 'cautious, parsimonious, forgettable'; BJP calls it aspirational
-
Congress women MPs write to Speaker Om Birla, reject claims of planned unrest in Lok Sabha
