Milbury out at NBC after quip about women

Nearly five months after drawing criticism for making a sexist comment while broadcasting a game, Mike Milbury is out at NBC Sports, the network confirmed.

“We are grateful to Mike for all of his contributions to our coverage for 14 years, but he will not be returning to our NHL announce team. We wish him well,” NBC said in a statement.

The move comes in the wake of Milbury’s comment during an Islanders-Capitals playoff game in August, when he referred to women as a distraction for players.

After play-by-play man John Forslund said, “If you think about it, [the bubble is] a terrific environment with regard to — if you enjoy playing and enjoy being with your teammates for long periods of time, it’s a perfect place,” Milbury replied, “Not even any women here to disrupt your concentration.’’

The next day, the NHL issued a statement criticizing Milbury’s remark, saying the league “condemns the insensitive and insulting comment that Mike Milbury made during last night’s broadcast and we have communicated our feelings to NBC. The comment did not reflect the NHL’s values and commitment to making our game more inclusive and welcoming to all.”

At the time, NBC Sports said it was “disappointed about Mike’s insensitive comment and have addressed it with him.” Milbury did not call another game in the postseason.

Milbury also issued an apology the following day. “I sincerely apologize for making the comment. It was not my intention to disrespect anyone,” the former Islanders coach said in a statement. “I was trying to be irreverent and took it a step too far. It was a regrettable mistake that I take seriously.”

Milbury had also questioned Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask’s decision to leave the bubble for family reasons last year. It was later reported Rask had a family emergency.