Comments made by a member of the Rogers TV broadcast team during the Royal St. John’s Regatta on Wednesday are being condemned by the Regatta committee and on social media.

The comments were made following the 14th race of the day, U-16 girls, and referenced the body weight of a crewmember.

The commentator stated: “But I gotta say, if I decided to row, I’d be hiring a tiny, little coxswain and I would probably lock them in a basement and not feed them for three weeks before getting in the boat. Is that wrong?”

After some back and forth, he continued: “I will back that up and will say, there’s so many ingredients that lead to a win and some are feeling more logical than others.”

VOCM News is not naming the individual at the centre of the incident, and neither is the Regatta committee, for now.

“After reviewing the segment in question, the committee agrees that the remarks referencing body image in a joking and derogatory manner were both inappropriate and hurtful,” reads a statement from Regatta Committee President Ashley Peach. “These comments do not reflect the values of the Royal St. John’s Regatta Committee.”

Peach noted the organization is committed to fostering a culture of inclusivity, respect, and sportsmanship.

“These are values that have defined this historic sporting event for over two centuries,” she said. “Every participant deserves to be treated with dignity and celebrated for their commitment to the sport of rowing.”

The Regatta Committee says it has reached out directly to Rogers Communications to express their concerns “and to reaffirm our expectations for respectful and inclusive commentary.”

“The Royal St. John’s Regatta Committee deeply values our longstanding partnership with Rogers and the commitment they show in covering this important community event. That said, body
shaming and demeaning language, whether intended as humour or not, has no place in sport, in broadcasting, or in our community.”

There’s been no public response from Rogers or the commentator in question.