Ron MacLean needed to apologize for comments made during Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final as a joke he made prior to the game may have had some dark implications.

MacLean is synonymous with hockey in Canada given his legacy with Don Cherry during the Coach's Corner segments on Hockey Night in Canada as well as being part of the current panel during broadcasts.

Ron MacLean's 'Hangover' joke draws instant criticism from fans during Sportsnet's Game 6 broadcast

Though his latest attempt at humour certainly rubbed a few the wrong way, and he had to apologize after a fan outcry on social media.

But he went a little overboard according to some fans, and while he was trying to make light of a comedic situation, his choice of words didn't sit well with many:

The broadcast was making light of the Stanley Cup-bearer who transports the Cup between cities as he was seen slumped on a couch, seemingly tuckered out from carrying Lord Stanley. Though, MacLean decided this was the time for a less than favourable movie reference:

So good Kyle, those roofies will get you every time.

That...is pretty rough all things considered. While MacLean was referring to a scene from the movie 'The Hangover', the implications and circumstances surrounding the situation were pretty dark.

No matter your opinion on MacLean prior to this incident, you have to admit that the situation was in bad taste considering that MacLean should know better, especially being on national television in front of millions of people.

MacLean owned the mistake on air but it's still making the rounds anyways

MacLean was then apologetic on air as he reference his poor joke prior to the broadcast:

I want to address something earlier on the broadcast. It was a bad mistake by me, We were spoofing the movie 'The Hangover' and we referenced some scenes; Mike Tyson's tiger, when he was sleeping.

We had the 'Keeper of the Cup' [Phil Pritchard] in the same situation and I used a slang term for drugs that has far more serious connotations and I should not have made that comparison. I know I offended some people and offended them with that remark and feel very badly for that; thank you for bringing it to my attention.

While it's great that MacLean had the wherewithal to apologize and sounded legitimately sorrowful about the situation, it's not a good look going forward.

The reason this comments hits so hard is because the term MacLean used is typically reserved for serious and criminal activity, and not in the vein of a comedic skit. The Hangover used it as a plot device for a multi-million dollar movie - MacLean did it for a cheap pop.

While he's no doubt a legend in the broadcasting world, at least in Canada, MacLean needed to have a much better idea of the words coming out of his mouth. His apology was sincere, but in this modern world where news spreads quicker than ever?

MacLean may have to prove he's sorry rather than just say it.

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