Lightning's Pat Maroon rips Bruins announcer for body-shaming comments in first face-to-face
Earlier this season, Boston Bruins television announcer Jack Edwards came under fire for insensitive comments made during a broadcast regarding the weight of Tampa Bay Lightning forward Pat Maroon.
On Wednesday, Maroon had his chance to respond to Edwards face-to-face. With the Bruins in Tampa Bay to take on the Lightning, Edwards took the opportunity to meet with Maroon in the locker room, hoping to listen and apologize. According to several reports, a verbal evisceration occurred.
Matt Porter of the Boston Globe categorized Maroon's one-sided conversation with Edwards as a "10-minute dressing-down." Meanwhile, Joe Smith of The Athletic confirmed that the two shook hands after the exchange, but it doesn't sound like Maroon or Edwards are necessarily on good terms.
"So it wasn't a hockey fight. But in that vein, we got it out," Edwards said. "We had an understanding and we move on."
After his interaction with Maroon, Edwards didn't come off like a guy who'd learned his lesson. Instead of saying he understood how Maroon and others may have taken offense to his comments, Edwards talked about "corporate concerns" and not being able to change the style he's used over 18 years calling Bruins games for NESN.
"I didn't make fun of people who are struggling with mental illness," Edwards said. "I didn't use the word 'fat' at any time. Intentional misreading of my intent ran rampant."
During a November matchup between the Lightning and Bruins, Edwards mocked Maroon, implying that the 12-year pro was well above his listed weight of 238 pounds. Edwards piled on with a poor joke, saying for Maroon, fasting was like "four hours without a meal."
Maroon responded to the comments the following day by donating $2,000 in Edwards' name to Tampa Bay Thrives, a non-profit that helps those struggling with mental health, bullying, and body image.
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