Mike Milbury is stepping away from broadcasting the rest of the NHL playoffs after his on-air comment that there were no women in the league’s quarantined bubble to disrupt concentration drew widespread criticism.
The former player, coach and general manager released a statement through NBC Sports on Saturday, saying: "I do not want my presence to interfere with the athletes as they try to win the greatest trophy in sports."
An NBC Sports spokesman confirmed it was Milbury's decision to leave and that the analyst remains employed by the network.
During a game Thursday night between the New York Islanders and Washington Capitals, broadcasters were discussing the environment inside the bubbles in Toronto and Edmonton, Alberta.