Eurosport’s commentator Bob Ballard wishes he could have one comment back because it has now cost him everything.
After the Australia women’s 400 free relay secured gold on the opening night and were preparing to stand on the podium, Ballard made an off-handed comment on-air: “Well, the women are just finishing up. You know what women are like…hanging around, doing their makeup.”
Ballard’s commentating partner, former Olympic swimmer Lizzie Simmonds, was immediately upset and responded: “Outrageous, Bob. Some of the men are doing that as well?”
In response to his comment, he was dropped by the Warner Bros. Discovery-owned streamer following his “inappropriate remark.”
A statement from the broadcaster said: “During a segment of Eurosport’s coverage last night, commentator Bob Ballard made an inappropriate comment. To that end, he has been removed from our commentary roster with immediate effect.”
Bob Ballard has been reporting for decades, covering the Olympics for multiple European outlets, including the BBC, so this moment is quite shocking for him.
Unfortunately for him, we live in different times, and things that could have been said 10 or 15 years ago will no longer fly.
Eurosport Commentator Bob Ballard Releases Statement After Being Removed From Broadcasting Duties
Broadcaster Bob Ballard made waves during his on-air commentary for Eurosport at the swimming competition Saturday after the Australian women’s 4x100m freestyle relay team won the gold medal.
European broadcaster Eurosport removed him from its Olympics coverage Sunday following an “inappropriate comment” he made about members of Australia’s women’s swimming team.
Now that it is clear he will not be back for the Paris Games, Ballard addressed the scandal, writing, “It was never my intention to upset or belittle anyone, and, if I did, I apologize. I am a massive advocate of women’s sport. I shall miss the Eurosport team dearly and wish them all the best for the rest of the Olympics.”
Bob Ballard also added that fans not pile on Lizzie Simmonds as she was catching backlash as well for seemingly laughing at his comments:
