Hockey Night in Canada host Ron MacLean found himself in hot water after making a joke about 'roofies' during a Stanley Cup pre-game segment. The comment, which referenced the date rape drug Rohypnol, drew immediate backlash and prompted an on-air apology.
What Happened
During a spoof of the movie The Hangover, Rogers Sportsnet host Kyle Bukauskas playfully interacted with the Stanley Cup on a hotel roof. The camera then showed cup keepers Phil Pritchard and Craig Campbell appearing to be passed out, mimicking the film. In the signoff, MacLean quipped, 'So good Kyle. The roofies, they'll get you every time.'
On-Air Apology
During the intermission between the second and third periods of the deciding game, MacLean issued a mea culpa. 'Something I said on the broadcast, it was a bad mistake by me,' he said. 'I used the slang term for the drug which has far more serious connotations in reality, and I should have made that connection and I did not.'
Context and Backlash
MacLean referenced James Baldwin's quote, 'it's innocence that constitutes the crime,' acknowledging that he 'triggered some people' and felt 'very badly' for the remark. This is the third time in recent memory MacLean has apologized on the hockey broadcast, including previous apologies for Don Cherry's 'you people' comment and a shirtless skit that some interpreted as referencing HIV.
Wider Implications
The gaffe touches on a sensitive topic in the hockey world, given the recent acquittal of former players on Canada's World Junior hockey team in a sexual assault case. While MacLean's remark was intended as wordplay, the apology underscores the seriousness of joking about date rape drugs.
Reactions
Social media reactions were swift, with many calling the joke inappropriate and worse than what led to Don Cherry's firing. MacLean's apology may not fully quell the controversy, as questions linger about the lasting impact of his comments.
