Sky Sports golf commentator given warning over ‘sexist’ comment live on air

Sky Sports golf commentator Wayne Riley, known as ‘Radar,’ has reportedly been reprimanded by the broadcaster for making a ‘sexist’ comment during live coverage of The Open at Royal Troon earlier this month.

Riley, a former professional golfer, was giving viewers a tour of the on-course gym’s workout facility when he received a shoulder massage with a therapy gun. During the massage, Riley jokingly groaned and said, “I tell you what, if that could cook and clean I’d marry it.” This comment was later replayed during the highlights of the morning’s coverage.

According to the Daily Mail, both Riley and the production team were contacted after the incident. Although it was acknowledged that no offense was intended, they were reminded to be cautious with their language and to consider the impact of their words moving forward.

Riley’s warning follows a similar incident involving Eurosport commentator Bob Ballard, who was removed from covering the Olympics in Paris after making an inappropriate remark. Ballard commented on the Australian 4x100m swimming team, saying, “Well, the women just finishing up. You know what women are like… hanging around, doing their make-up.” Ballard later apologized, stating that he did not intend to offend or belittle anyone. Eurosport announced his immediate removal from their commentary roster.

Wayne Riley has had a successful career as a professional golfer, recording six wins, including the Australian Open in 1991. He played on the European Tour and the PGA Tour of Australasia before joining Sky Sports as an on-course commentator for their European coverage.

Before The Open, Riley discussed Rory McIlroy’s performance at the U.S. Open with the Mirror. McIlroy had blown a commanding lead to Bryson DeChambeau at Pinehurst No. 2, finishing with three bogeys. Riley expressed his surprise at McIlroy’s performance, stating that he did not expect it to happen. He added that although McIlroy would always remember the incident, he did not believe it would scar him permanently, describing McIlroy as an exceptional golfer, second only to Tiger Woods.

Riley’s comments and subsequent warning highlight the importance of mindful language in broadcasting, especially in a professional and widely viewed context.