TORONTO – Veteran TSN broadcaster Dave Hodge has issued a Twitter clarification in the wake of a controversial tweet on Boston goalie Tim Thomas’ decision to skip the Bruins’ visit to the White House on Monday.
Thomas said he opted to stay away because of his belief that “the federal government has grown out of control, threatening the rights, liberties, and property of the people.”
Hodge tweeted: “Don’t know if it’s fair to point this out, but Tim Thomas has three children named Kiley, Kelsey and Keegan.”
The tweet — and what some saw as a reference to KKK — drew plenty of social media attention and Hodge subsequently tweeted: “To clarify, yesterday’s tweet was simply a satirical, tongue-in-cheek observation meant to be humorous and not intended to be offensive.”
TSN president Stewart Johnston told The Globe and Mail via email that “While I believe 100% in the sincerity of Dave’s intent, I also believe the tweet was in poor taste. We have discussed the matter at length with Dave. Beyond that, this is an internal matter and will be dealt with as such.”
Hodge left CBC in 1987 after flipping his pencil in the air in disgust at the network’s decision to cut away from a hockey game going into overtime to a newscast.
