Blackhawks announcer Pat Foley apologized to the Eisbaeren Berlin organization Tuesday, two days after making a racially insensitive comment about one of their players during the telecast of the Hawks’ preseason game in Berlin.
Early in the third period, Foley was calling the play-by-play when he referenced Berlin forward Austin Ortega by saying, “Ortega, who sounds like he ought to be a shortstop … .”
Ortega, who was born and raised in California, elected not to speak with Foley directly. Foley spoke with a member of the Eisbaeren organization, who passed on the apology to Ortega.
The Hawks released the following statement: “We are aware of the insensitive remarks made by play-by-play announcer Pat Foley on Sunday’s broadcast. Pat has personally spoken to the Eisbaeren organization to express his deep regret. He and the organization sincerely apologize to Austin Ortega and Eisbaeren and will not be commenting any further on the matter.”
