Sky Sports executives have allegedly issued a strong reprimand to golf commentator Wayne Riley following his ‘sexist’ remark made on live television during The Open broadcast.
Wayne Riley, the golf commentator for Sky Sports, has reportedly faced disciplinary action from the broadcaster’s management due to a comment considered ‘sexist’ that he made on air.
Riley, who is also referred to as ‘Radar’, is said to have gotten into trouble after making comments during the coverage of The Open at Royal Troon earlier this month. The ex-professional was providing viewers with a tour of the workout facility at the on-course gym when he received a shoulder massage using a therapy gun.
The Australian man let out a sarcastic groan while receiving treatment, then joked, “If that thing could cook and clean, I’d marry it.” The clip was shown again on Sky during their morning highlights a few hours later.
According to the Daily Mail, Riley and his team were contacted after his remarks. Although it was understood that no harm was meant, they were advised to be mindful of their language and to choose their words carefully in the future.
Riley issued a caution following the dismissal of a Eurosport commentator from Paris for an inappropriate remark made during Olympic coverage. Bob Ballard, a former BBC commentator, was ousted for his comments following the Australian 4x100m swimming team’s gold medal win, which included Meg Harris, Mollie O’Callaghan, Shayna Jack, and Emma McKeon.
Upon exiting the venue, Ballard commented, “Looks like the ladies are almost done. You know how women are… lingering, fixing their make-up.” The experienced broadcaster expressed regret if his words were offensive, clarifying that he did not mean to offend or diminish anyone in a statement shared on X.
Bob Ballard, a commentator for Eurosport, was dismissed from his position after making an inappropriate comment during the coverage, the company announced. As a result, he has been taken off our commentary team immediately.
Riley achieved six victories during his time on the professional tour, such as winning the Australian Open in 1991. He was a part of both the European Tour and the PGA Tour of Australasia. Following his departure from the tour, he joined Sky Sports and has since been working as an on-course commentator for their European coverage.
In anticipation of The Open, ‘Radar’ engaged in a conversation with the Mirror regarding Rory McIlroy’s disappointment at The U.S. Open, where he relinquished a significant lead to Bryson DeChambeau at Pinehurst No. 2, following three bogeys. “I was genuinely taken aback. I did not expect that outcome at all. On the final hole, I believe he executed the putt well; it was merely a misreading on his part.”
Rory is always under intense scrutiny, and everyone dissects every detail of what happened. Having known Rory in both a professional and personal capacity, I felt truly saddened for him. However, I believe we witnessed last week that he is resilient. People wonder, ‘Will this leave a lasting mark?’ I don’t believe it will; he will carry the memory, but I don’t think he’s the type to be scarred – he’s too exceptional. It’s a privilege to watch him play because, in my opinion, he’s the greatest golfer I’ve ever seen, second only to Tiger Woods.
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