Flyers issue apology for ‘disrespectful remarks’ by social media staff

The Philadelphia Flyers issued an apology Tuesday for “disrespectful remarks” made by members of the team’s social media staff in response to a reporter’s question during a virtual news conference.

“On behalf of the entire Flyers organization, I want to extend our apologies,” Flyers president of hockey operations Keith Jones said in a statement. “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 will continue to promote an environment of mutual respect when working with media.”

Clips circulated on social media Tuesday of an exchange between a reporter and Philadelphia forward Garnet Hathaway in which the reporter asks Hathaway why he wanted to join the team during its rebuild. A voice in the streamed recording can be heard saying, “How many times is she going to ask this f—— question?” Additional voices are also audible in the background. Hathaway proceeded to answer the question without acknowledging the disruption.

The Flyers did not name the reporter in their statement.

The team finished with a 31-38-13 record last season and seventh in the Metropolitan Division, failing to qualify for the playoffs for the third straight year. Hathaway joined Philadelphia during free agency earlier this month on a two-year, $4.75 million contract after spending last season with the Capitals and Bruins.

(Photo: Minas Panagiotakis / Getty Images)