‘Embarrassed’: Flyers’ staff member caught on a hot mic ripping reporter’s question

The Philadelphia Flyers issued an apology on Tuesday after a staff member criticized a reporter’s question during a virtual press conference.

Philadelphia Inquirer Flyers beat reporter Giana Han asked Garnet Hathaway about his decision to sign with the organization: “I was just wondering, as a veteran who has had a relatively successful NHL career, what makes the Flyers, who are in a rebuild state, a destination that was desirable?”

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Hathaway, a nine-year NHL veteran, was sent to the Boston Bruins at the trade deadline. He helped the Bruins win a league-best 65 games and scored 22 points split between the Bruins and Washington Capitals.

After making contributions to a Stanley Cup contender, Hathaway signed a two-year, $4.75 million dollar contract with a team that had a 31-38-13 record last season and hasn’t made the playoffs since 2020. Asking Hathaway why he signed to find out how he fits is reasonable.

Before Hathaway could respond to Han, a staff member forgot to mute their mic and interrupted with a profane remark.

“How many times is she going to ask that f****** question,” the Flyers’ staff member said.

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This interaction went viral on social media and drew criticism.

Flyers president of hockey operations Keith Jones issued an apology on the team’s social media account later that night.

“Earlier today, our team’s social media account streamed a recording of a virtual press conference which included disrespectful remarks by members of our social media staff. On behalf of the entire Flyers organization, I want to extend our apologies. Any disrespect towards reporters is completely unacceptable, especially when they are simply doing their job. We have reached out to the reporter and outlet personally to express our regret, and we will continue to promote an environment of mutual respect when working with media.”

This morning on 94 WIP radio, Flyers general manager Danny Briére expressed his disappointment.

“The Flyers organization were completely embarrassed by that, it’s not who we are… yesterday was a tough mistake that we’re all learning from,” Bierre told listeners.