ESPN’s Ben McDonald Sparks Controversy with NHL Comment

CHICAGO, Ill. — ESPN MLB analyst Ben McDonald caused a stir during Wednesday night’s broadcast of the National League wild-card game between the San Diego Padres and Chicago Cubs. While promoting upcoming NHL coverage, McDonald dismissed the league by stating there is ‘zero chance’ he would watch the opening night broadcast.

The comment came as McDonald, who primarily calls Baltimore Orioles games, emphasized his disinterest in the NHL’s season opener slated for October 7. The remarks quickly went viral, prompting backlash from hockey fans on social media.

During the top of the fifth inning, play-by-play announcer Kevin Brown asked McDonald if he would be tuning in to see the Chicago Blackhawks and Florida Panthers face off. McDonald replied bluntly, ‘There is zero chance I’ll be watching, I’m just gonna be honest with you.’

Critics, including ESPN’s own John Buccigross, mocked McDonald’s comment. Buccigross tweeted, ‘Zero is also how many postseason innings Ben McDonald pitched in his MLB career.’

In response to the uproar, McDonald clarified in an interview that his remark was made in jest. He told The Athletic, ‘This was a joke. I respect the hockey players, I love them.’ His partner, Brown, remarked that during their pre-game conversation, McDonald expressed excitement about going hunting, indicating he would likely be off the grid once the hockey season starts.

McDonald later admitted to being unaware that ESPN had secured a media rights deal with the NHL in March 2021, which is valued at $2.8 billion over seven years. The deal allows ESPN to broadcast regular-season games, the Stanley Cup playoffs, and air select games on ABC, as well as feature NHL content on ESPN+

Despite the controversy, McDonald will return to the broadcast booth for Game 3 between the Cubs and Padres. This incident emphasizes the ongoing struggle of ESPN to effectively market its NHL coverage amidst increased scrutiny from hockey fans.

‘It was not a bang on hockey at all,’ McDonald reinforced during another interview. ‘It was just following up on a conversation we had before the game.’ He expressed no regrets about his offhand comment but acknowledged the importance of being sensitive to all sports fans.