In a live transmission by NBC, which holds the broadcasting rights for the Olympics, a common blunder occurred when the commentator's microphone was inadvertently left on. Todd Richards, the snowboarding commentator, candidly shared his thoughts on the men’s big air final, not realizing that his comments were being broadcast to viewers. He remarked on how dull he found the final, stating, 'It was boring. It was so boring,' and noted that the qualifying rounds were much more exciting. This candid opinion has since stirred discussions among the audience and snowboarding enthusiasts alike.

The final event saw dominance from Asian athletes, with Japan's Kira Kimura taking home the gold medal, followed by his compatriot Ryoma Kimata in silver, and China's Su Yiming claiming bronze. Richards later responded to the backlash from viewers on Instagram, confirming that he stood by his comments, insisting they were his honest opinions about the competition's performance. He clarified that his remarks were not directed at any individual athlete but rather a general assessment of his viewing experience.

The incident has highlighted the pressures and scrutiny that commentators face during live broadcasts, where candid remarks can inadvertently reach a larger audience. Richards is not alone in facing such challenges, as the line between genuine commentary and professionalism can sometimes blur, particularly in high-stakes environments such as the Olympics. The audience's reaction also suggests a growing expectation for commentators to balance honesty with sensitivity towards the athletes they are discussing.