Renowned sports journalist and commentator dropped from commenting on the ongoing Olympics after making insensitive comments live.

Veteran sportscaster Bob Ballard was removed from Eurosport’s commentary team following sexist comments he made.

Ballard made insensitive comments about the Australian women’s swim team after a sporting session.

The incident occurred after Team Australia’s gold medal victory in the 4×100 meter freestyle relay on Saturday.

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The insensitive comment

During the relay’s conclusion, Ballard remarked on the team’s apparent delay in exiting the Paris Aquatic Centre, saying.

He went on to state, “Well, the women just finishing off. You know what women are like hanging around, doing their makeup.”

His co-commentator Lizzie Simmonds and former Olympian, immediately called out the inappropriate comment.

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Simmonds responded with, “Outrageous, Bob. Some of the men are doing that as well.”

However, Ballard laughed off the remark as a simple goof moment on live commentating in between games.

In a twist of events, his reaction accelerated outrage over his comments prompting a swift response.

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Commentator dropped

Eurosport, which distributes the Olympic broadcast in Europe issued a statement confirming Ballard’s dismissal.

“We can confirm that Bob Ballard has been removed from our commentary roster with immediate effect,” the statement read.

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Ballard has been a prominent figure in sports commentary since the mid-1980s and has covered several Olympic Games.

Additionally, Ballard also works as a music and news presenter for BBC Local Radio.

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In a statement posted on social media, Ballard apologized for his remarks, stating, “The comments I made during the Australian freestyle relay victory ceremony on Saturday have caused some offence. It was never my intention to upset or belittle anyone and, if I did, I apologise. I am a massive advocate of women’s sport.“

Ballard expressed his regret over his departure from Eurosport, saying, “I shall miss the Eurosport team dearly and wish them all the best for the rest of the Olympics.“

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