Olympics commentator dropped over sexist comments about women’s swim team

Liam Reilly, CNN

(CNN) — Olympics commentator Bob Ballard was dropped from Eurosport, nan European salary TV company, connected Monday aft nan seasoned sportscaster made sexist comments astir nan Australian women’s aquatics team.

Following nan conclusion of Saturday 4×100 metre freestyle relay, during which Team Australia won nan golden medal, Ballard commented connected nan team’s evident hold successful exiting nan Paris Aquatic Centre arsenic they celebrated.

“Well, nan women conscionable finishing off. You cognize what women are like, hanging around, doing their makeup,” Ballard said.

Lizzie Simmonds, nan erstwhile Olympian and his Eurosport co-host, instantly rebuffed his comments.

“Outrageous, Bob,” Simmons said, arsenic Ballard laughed. “Some of nan men are doing that arsenic well.”

A spokesperson for Eurosport, which distributes nan Olympic broadcast successful Europe and shares nan aforesaid genitor institution arsenic CNN, confirmed Ballard had been dropped complete his comments.

“We tin corroborate that Bob Ballard has been removed from our commentary roster pinch contiguous effect,” it said successful a connection Monday.

Ballard, a seasoned commentator who has reported connected sports since nan mid-’80s, has covered respective Olympic games. He besides useful arsenic a euphony and news presenter for BBC Local Radio.

In a connection posted Monday connected societal media, Ballard offered an apology for his remarks.

“The comments I made during nan Australian freestyle relay triumph ceremonial connected Saturday person caused immoderate offence. It was ne'er my volition to upset aliases belittle anyone and, if I did, I apologise. I americium a monolithic advocator of women’s sport,” he wrote.

“I shall miss nan Eurosport team, dearly and wish them each nan champion for nan remainder of nan Olympics,” he added.