ESPN's Melrose Eats His Words About Newark

While Newark may be dangerous, comprehensive safety measures are in place.

Hockey Analyst Visits 'The Rock,' Does 180 On Area

NEWARK (CBS) ― He said on national television that walking around in Newark was a extremely dangerous thing to do.

But he had never even been there.

On Friday night, the popular ESPN hockey analyst Barry Melrose decided to see the city first hand.

And he got an earful.

At the Arena Bar, hockey fans and the city's self proclaimed welcoming committee taunted Melrose as payback for badmouthing the city the Devils call home.

"My job is talking, and I talked and didn't do the research I should have done," a contrite Melrose said.

During last month's opening of the Prudential Center, or "The Rock," Melrose raved about the Devils' new facility, but said hockey fans might be in physical danger once they walked onto the streets outside the arena.

Melrose said that the area around the arena is "awful," that "the inside and the outside where it's built is pretty humorous" and warned those who dare see a game to not "go outside if you have a wallet or anything else."

But on Friday Melrose sang a different tune, one the fans said should never have been necessary in the first place.

"What it said is it showed his ignorance on his part being an upstate New Yorker," Devils fan Matt Hughes said. "Not knowing what was going on and opening up his mouth before knowing all the answers to the questions."

Added fan Christina Ortiz: "I hope he changes his mind. I hope being here tonight is enough to make him know better."

After a tour of the city with local officials and Devils owner Jeff Vanderbeek, Melrose was waxing poetic about all things Newark.

"I've been very impressed with the area and very, very impressed with what they have planned for the area," Melrose said.

Newark Mayor Cory Booker looked at the night as a win-win for the Devils, their fans and New Jersey.

"By Barry coming here tonight he's showing he's a gentleman and he's giving the world the chance to see what he sees, which is a positive city, a safe and secure city, city that's moving forward," Booker said.

Melrose said the entire episode has been a learning experience.

"I did apologize and again it's a good lesson for me not to listen to second hand information," Melrose said. "And before you say something see it for yourself. That's why I came here."

After Melrose saw the light, the Devils went out and won their ninth straight game, 3-2 over Washington.