In the world of sports broadcasting, an unwritten code prevails: always assume the microphone is on. This rule serves as a cautionary tale for on-air personalities, reminding them to weigh their words carefully to avoid unnecessary controversy.
However, in 2019, NBA icon Kevin McHale broke this unspoken directive during a TNT broadcast of the game between the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers. During what he thought was a private discussion with co-commentator Jim Jackson, McHale made a scathing remark about someone, completely unaware that his mic was indeed open, allowing viewers to hear his offhand comment.
“I used to argue with him all the time. He’s an asshole… He hasn’t changed a bit. His hair just turned gray,” McHale joked, clearly putting his foot in the dish. Jackson, also a former NBA star, barely had time to react before embarrassment set in.
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McHale, affectionately known as the “Black Hole,” had a remarkable 13-year NBA career, highlighted by three championship titles and seven All-Star selections. His accolades include three All-NBA Defensive First Team honors and two Sixth Man of the Year awards—all factors that have solidified his status as a basketball legend, particularly among Boston Celtics fans, which has led to the honoring of his number 32 within the franchise.
Adding to his legacy, McHale also had a notorious reputation for trash-talking, often compared to his famous teammates Larry Bird and Cedric Maxwell. McHale has never been one to shy away from the art of verbal sparring, once stating that he doesn’t really understand the concept of “crossing the line” when it comes to trash talk.
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Even years after hanging up his sneakers in 1993, McHale’s penchant for teasing remained evident, as this infamous incident proved. Speculation arose as to whether his comments were directed at 76ers tight end Jimmy Butler, especially since the cameras had focused on Butler as McHale made his remark. This theory gained traction due to their shared time on the Minnesota Timberwolves, but in reality, McHale and Butler never played together in that franchise.
As for who McHale was actually referring to, it appeared to be someone older and closer to his age, since his comments insinuated that the individual had already started to go gray and had spent considerable time with him in the past.
In an effort to clear up the confusion, McHale then insisted, “No, no, no. I promise you it wasn’t him. It was someone else.” Additionally, the former Celtics wing expressed regret over his on-air gaffe, acknowledging the inappropriateness of his language for a live audience. “Jackson and I were talking about a mutual acquaintance, and I used a term that was definitely not flattering; it came on the air and caught me off guard,” he admitted.
Interestingly, McHale wasn’t the only one to face criticism for strong language during this match. After the Celtics’ 112-109 victory, 76ers superstar Joel Embiid concluded his postgame press conference by expressing his displeasure with the officiating to the press, proclaiming that the refs “are assholes.” *.” The key distinction? While Embiid was well aware that his remarks were being recorded—ultimately costing him a $25,000 fine—McHale seemed blissfully unaware of the presence of his microphone.
As the world of the NBA continues to evolve, moments like McHale’s on-air gaffe serve as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between candor and professionalism in sports commentary.
